All-night prayer for Nelson Mandela

The South Africans are holding an all-night prayer vigil for former president Nelson Mandela, outside his former home in Soweto. Nelson Mandela’s health improved overnight and his condition remains critical but is now stable, the South African government said Thursday in a statement that brought a measure of relief to the country. One of the former president’s daughters said he was still opening his eyes and reacting to the touch of his family even though his situation was precarious.

The report that the health of the 94-year-old anti-apartheid figure had taken a slight turn for the better came amid an increasingly somber mood in South Africa, where religious and traditional leaders have talked openly about the possibility of his death. For some, it dovetailed with the resilience of spirit and physique that Mandela had shown throughout his life, as a boxer, a prisoner, a peacemaker, a president and a humanitarian who inspired the world.

Nelson Mandela

Former President of South Africa

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. 

Born: July 18, 1918 (age 94), Mvezo, South Africa

Movies: Malcolm X

Children: Makaziwe Mandela, Zindziswa Mandela, Makgatho Mandela, Zenani Mandela, Madiba Thembekile Mandela

Awards: Nobel Peace Prize, Time's Person of the Year, More

Spouse: Graça Machel (1998), Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (m. 1958–1996), Evelyn Mase (1944–1958)

Education: University of South Africa (1943), Healdtown Comprehensive School, University of Fort Hare, University of the Witwatersrand, University of London International Programmes, University of London.