Former South African President Nelson Mandela's health has worsened in the past 24 hours, and is currently considered to be in critical condition in a hospital in Pretoria.  Current President Jacob Zuma visited the 94-year-old on Sunday evening and was informed of the bad news by the hospital's medical team. 

"The doctors are doing everything possible to get his condition to improve and are ensuring that Madiba is well-looked after and is comfortable," said Zuma about Mandela, by using his tribal name, in a written statement. "He is in good hands."

Mandela has been hospitalized the past month due to his recurring lung infection. He has battled lung problems and respiratory infections ever since the apartheid era.

MORE: Nelson Mandela Turns 94 

The anti-apartheid leader has not made a public appearance since 2010, when South Africa hosted the World Cup. 

Mandela was the first-ever black president of South Africa after the apartheid ended in 1994. The well-respected hero is with his wife, Graca Machel, in the hospital as he battles his illness.

Zuma additionally denied reports that Mandela had recently suffered a cardiac arrest. 

 

 

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