On the 17th day of his stay in Pretoria's Mediclinic Heart Hospital, the former South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela remains in a critical condition.
The South African government announced late on Sunday that the 94-year-old's health had declined - news that put many South Africans in a sombre mood.
A steady stream of well-wishers have been leaving balloons and messages of love and support outside the hospital for the man who is revered by many as a symbol of reconciliation.
Journalists, including the BBC's Karen Allen pictured here on the left, are outside the hospital reporting live on events as they unfold.
President Jacob Zuma described Nelson Mandela on Monday as "the father of democracy... the man who fought and sacrificed his life to stay in prison... one of those who has contributed to democracy.... and therefore he's the man we all love".
He urged all South Africans to pray for Mr Mandela and "ensure that the doctors do their work so that he can come out of the hospital". But people must accept that he is old and "therefore as he ages, his health will begin to trouble him", President Zuma went on to say.
- Published24 June 2013
