Obama hails 'hero for the world' Mandela

Barack Obama today hailed Nelson Mandela as a “hero for the world” as his family said his condition had turned “very critical”.

The US President said the revered statesman’s legacy would linger when he passes away.

Mandela, 94, is on a ventilator in hospital in Pretoria. His family was with him today and large crowds joined the media contingent outside as South Africa prepared to mourn his loss. “He is a personal hero,” Mr Obama said on a visit to Senegal, before travelling on to South Africa at the weekend.

“He is a hero for the world, and if and when he passes from this place, one thing I think we all know is that his legacy is one that will linger on throughout the ages.”

Makaziwe Mandela, one of the former South African president’s daughters, said his condition was “very critical”.

She added: “Anything is imminent, but I want to emphasise again that it is only God who knows when the time to go is.

“I won’t lie. It doesn’t look good.”

However, she added that “if we speak to him he responds and tries to open his eyes — he’s still there”.