By: Khethukuthula Lembethe

“He is a fighter. He has been through this many times and he has been through worse issues, and he’s survived.”

This is according to a press release by Mac Maharaj on former president Nelson Mandela’s health.

The 94-year-old has been rushed to hospital numerous times for what Maharaj has claimed to be ‘routine checkups’. Madiba was rushed to hospital again this weekend for a chronic lung infection which has been an obstacle to his recovery in the recent weeks.

South Africans are concerned about Madiba’s health.

“The country is prepared for the worst,” ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu told Sky News.

Nelson Mandela is the father of the nation as he brought freedom and relief to many South Africans hence he is mostly referred to as “Tata”.

Anele Nzimande, One Day Leader contestant, compassionately feels, “Yes, he’s lived a full and wonderful life. He deserves to be in the presence of the Lord now.”

Skhumbuzo Mhlongo on the other hand opposed Nzimande.

“We must wait until nature takes its cause, God will take him when the time is right,” said Mhlongo.

McIntosh Polela, former spokesperson of the HAWKS and author of My Father, My Monster, strongly feels that no-one should decide how we depart from this world.

“I don’t think anyone is qualified to make that call,” said Polela.

Anele Nzimande and Vusi Thembekwayo, business speaker. Picture: curtesy of Anele Nzimande

Nqobile Buthelezi thinks he needs his privacy and said, “I don’t agree with that. He should die on his own but the media must leave the man alone. I do not know why our colleagues don’t get it. But as they always say, if you’re a public person, there’s a fine line between your private and personal life.”

Views on Madiba’s health condition, whether he needs to rest or not, differ from many South Africans, but one view they have in common is that he deserves to have peace in his life.  He has been a fighter, a hero and most a father to the nation.