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South Africa: Family visits critically ill Mandela

Granddaughter Tukwini Mandela, left, granddaughter Ndileka Mandela, second left, and daughter Makaziwe Mandela, right, arrive at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where former South African President Nelson Mandela is being treated in Pretoria, South Africa Friday, June 28, 2013. One of the former president's daughters said he is still opening his eyes and reacting to the touch of his family even though his situation is precarious. Woman at second right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Members of Nelson Mandela’s family as well as South African Cabinet ministers have visited the hospital where the 94-year-old former president is critically ill.

Granddaughter Tukwini Mandela, left, granddaughter Ndileka Mandela, second left, and daughter Makaziwe Mandela, right, arrive at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where former South African President Nelson Mandela is being treated in Pretoria, South Africa Friday, June 28, 2013. One of the former president’s daughters said he is still opening his eyes and reacting to the touch of his family even though his situation is precarious. Woman at second right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

One of Mandela’s daughters, Makaziwe Mandela, was among family members who arrived at the Pretoria hospital on Friday. The ministers of health and defense also visited, the South African Press Association reported.

The anti-apartheid leader was taken to the hospital on June 8 to be treated for what the government said was a recurring lung infection. South Africans have held prayers nationwide, and many have left flowers and messages of support outside the hospital as well as his home in Johannesburg.

On Thursday, the office of South African President Jacob Zuma said Mandela’s health had improved overnight, and that his condition was critical but stable.

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