Did Nelson Mandela actually pass away PRIOR to President Obama's trip to South Africa ? The Guardian says yes .......

Why cover something like this up - where would the motivation come from - whether we look at Zuma or Obama ? Consider the tidbit below....


Daily Mail airs dirty laundry from South Africa.....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2355980/Nelson-Mandelas-family-ignored-doctors-advice-turn-life-support.html

( Mandela may be in a  " Schrodinger's cat " state of existence - technically alive but practically deceased .... note his physical  state has been machine maintained since June 26 , 2013 - consistent with Michael Smith's reporting on Mandela's demise )

Doctors advised Nelson Mandela's family that his life support should be turned off because he was in a 'permanent vegetative state', court documents reveal.

The revelation from members of the former president's family came as part of a family dispute over the graves of three of his children.

Court documents from June 26 said: 'He is in a permanent vegetative state and is assisted in breathing by a life support machine.

'The Mandela family have been advised by the medical practitioners that his life support machine should be switched off.

'Rather than prolonging his suffering, the Mandela family is exploring this option as a very real probability.'

The remains of the 94-year-old's three deceased children were reburied at their original resting site following a court order to return them after Mandla moved the bodies. 

It comes as the bitter feud between Mandela's family descended into soap opera farce today when his grandson and heir Mandla accused relatives of adultery and milking the fame of the revered anti-apartheid leader.

In a news conference broadcast live on TV that stunned South Africans, Mandla confirmed rumours that his young son, Zanethemba, was in fact the child of an illicit liaison between his brother Mbuso and Mandla's now ex-wife Anais Grimaud.

With Mandela on life-support in a Pretoria hospital, the escalating feud has transfixed and appalled South Africa in equal measure. 

'Mbuso impregnated my wife,' Mandla said in Mvezo, the Eastern Cape village 700 km (450 miles) south of Johannesburg where Mandela was born and where Mandla serves as the formal chief of the clan.

Mandla, 39, first raised questions about his son's paternity last year when he split from French-speaking Grimaud, who has since moved back home to the Indian Ocean island of Reunion. He also revealed then that he was unable to have children.

His attempts to get the family to address the questions of Zanethemba's paternity had been rebuffed in the interests of preserving a semblance of unity in South Africa's most famous family, Mandla said.

'This matter has never been discussed by the so-called members of the family who say that they want to ensure there is harmony in this family,' he said, challenging reporters to conduct DNA tests to confirm his allegations.

'The facts are there. You may go and find out, do the necessary tests that are needed,' he said. His brother Mbuso has denied being the father of the child.

Newspapers have plastered 'Mandela vs. Mandela' headlines across their front pages and editorials have bemoaned the cruel irony of bitter divisions inside the family of a man lauded the world over as the epitome of reconciliation between races.

The government said that Mandela remained 'critical but stable' after nearly four weeks in hospital.

The sleepy community of Mvezo, set amid the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape, has been at the centre of a vicious dispute that may ultimately determine where South Africa's first black president will be laid to rest.

Two years ago, Mandla exhumed the bodies of three of Mandela's children from Qunu, where Mandela grew up, and moved them the 20 km to Mvezo, where Mandla has built a visitor centre and a memorial centre dedicated to his grandfather.

Mandla said he moved the bodies based on his right as chief to decide the final resting place of family members, especially his father Makgatho who died of an AIDS-related illness in 2005.

'I hold the right to determine where he is buried. I am the chief of Mvezo, as a traditional leader and the head of the royal house of Mandela,' said Mandla, dressed in a black leather jacket and red shirt.

Despite his assertions, many of South Africa's 53 million people believe the exhumations were part of a deliberate plan to ensure Mandela was buried in Mvezo.

Last week, a rival faction of the family, led by Mandla's aunt Makaziwe and including Mbuso, won a court order for the bodies to be returned to Qunu - an edict carried out late on Wednesday after a last-minute legal bid by Mandla failed.

Speaking calmly and deliberately in front of a bank of cameras, Mandla lashed out at Makaziwe and members of the wider family, accusing them of trying to cash in on the legacy of one of the 20th century's most respected political figures.

'This is the very family that has taken their own father, their own grandfather, to court for his monies,' he said, referring to a long-running legal bid by Makaziwe to remove the guardians of a Mandela charitable trust.

'It seems like anyone and everyone can come and say 'I am a Mandela' and demand to be part of the decision-making in this family,' he said. 'Individuals have abandoned their own families and heritage and decided to jump on the Mandela wagon.'

Makaziwe has declined to comment on the graves dispute, telling reporters that it is a 'private family matter'.

The three Mandela children exhumed from Mvezo are an infant girl who died in 1948, a boy, Thembi, who died in a car crash in 1969, and Mandla's father, Makgatho. In all, Mandela fathered six children from his three marriages.

Today family members and community elders attended a ceremony on the Mandela property that included the singing of hymns. 

The reburial took place in Qunu, Mandela's hometown and the place the former president has said he wants to be buried. 

Forensic tests earlier confirmed the remains were those of Mandela's children.

The bitter family feud comes as Mandela remains in critical condition nearly a month after being hospitalized for a recurring lung infection.

A Mandela family court affidavit, obtained by the Mail and Guardian newspaper, said Mandela is on life support in the form of a breathing respirator.

Mandla Mandela - the oldest male Mandela heir and a tribal chief - told a news conference on Thursday that 'my grandfather like myself would be highly disappointed in what is unraveling.'

Meanwhile, Mandela's wife said the former president is sometimes uncomfortable but seldom in pain while being treated in a hospital.

Graca Machel spoke about her husband's condition at a fundraising drive for a children's hospital that will be named after the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader.

'Whatever is the outcome of his stay in hospital, that will remain the second time where he offered his nation an opportunity to be united under the banner of our flag, under the banner of our constitution,' she said.

Mandela, who was hospitalized on June 8, remains in critical but stable condition, according to a statement today by President Jacob Zuma's office. Zuma visited Mandela Thursday, said the statement.

Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years during white racist rule and was freed in 1990 before being elected president in all-race elections. He won the Nobel Peace Prize along with former President F.W. de Klerk.

Latest in the strange saga - Michael Smith stands by his original reporting on Mandela's death....

http://guardianlv.com/2013/07/nelson-mandela-tragedy-of-death-travesty-of-cover-up/

Nelson Mandela: Tragedy of Death, Travesty of Cover-up

For those who still believe the Nobel Peace Prize winning South African icon is alive

Added by Michael Smith on July 3, 2013.
Saved under Graham Noble, Media, Michael Smith, South Africa,World
Tags: spot

It has already been noted by the world’s media, and other sources, that Madiba, the beloved former President of South Africa, had a history of  health problems, going back to at least January 2011. If one looks at the facts surrounding his latest decline, one can see the unfolding tragedy of Nelson Mandela’s death and the travesty of the cover-up that surrounded it.

While the rest of the world is convinced that the 94 year-old icon for peace is still alive and fighting for his life, our sources still maintain that the great man died last week as we originally reported. Our journalist in South Africa, Laura Oneale, has put together a timeline that shows how Nelson Mandela’s health deteriorated and what actions were taken by his family and those in power in South Africa.  For those of you who still believe that the Nobel Peace Prize winning man is alive; read the timeline, the clues are there.

January 2011: Spent two days in hospital for acute respiratory infection.

February 2012: Received exploratory surgery to probe for abdominal pain.

December 2012: Spent nearly three weeks in hospital for recurring lung infection.

March/April 2013: Spent over a week in hospital receiving treatment for pneumonia.
         
June 8, 2013: Admitted to hospital for recurring lung infection.

June 9, 2013: Wife Graca Maharaj cancels London Trip. Mac Maharaj ANC government spokesperson says that Mandela can breathe on his own, his heath is serious, but stable.

June 11, 2013: Second announcement from government officials, President Zuma says, critical but stable and the best doctors and medical care is being given. States that Mandela’s doctors are “making him better.” Security highlighted and more intense, only family members allowed to visit Madiba.

June 14, 2013: First week in intensive care. President Zuma still says that Madiba is getting better, although his heath is still critical, but stable. Mandela’s daughter returns from Argentina.

June 15, 2013: President Zuma visits the increasingly frail Mandela and reports that he is still critical, but stable.

June 22, 2013: Madiba becomes unresponsive to treatment and family discuss how much medical intervention can be given. Reports state that his kidney’s and liver are functioning at 50 percent, and that he is still critical but stable. Mandela’s grandson tells media that he is getting better.

The news of the ambulance breakdown on June 8 is revealed and how Mandela was stranded for more than 40 minutes before a replacement vehicle arrived. Cardiac problems mentioned.

June 23, 2013: Family summoned to hospital. Presidency announced on Sunday that the  94 year-old icon’s condition has worsened and become critical in the last 24 hours.

June 24/25, 2013: Johannesburg – The DA is saddened by the news of the former South African president’s declining heath. Democratic Alliance spokesperson Mmusi Maimane releases a statement on Monday saying, “The news from the presidency that former President Mandela is now in a critical condition came as a blow to all South Africans.” Media begins reporting on funeral plans.

Qunu family meeting with elders of village discuss gravesite preparations and sensitive family matters. Grandson storms out of the meeting. That same day,

The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, joins the Mandela family at the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital where Mandela was being treated.

Gravediggers at grave site and streets in Qunu being repaired.

June 27, 2013: Report that Mandela has died and the government cannot announce or confirm as it would overshadow American President Obama’s visit to the country. Mandela’s death would create a security nightmare, as crowd response would most likely emulate the public reaction to Chris Hani’s death in 1993. Mandela’s daughter visits gravesite in Qunu.

June 27, 2013: Danish newspaper reports Mandela’s death and within minutes pull the article. Australian politician  makes public apology for stating that Mandela has died. Mandela family lash out at media and accuse them of being insensitive.

The Guardian Express, who reported Mandela’s death has website attacked by a South African Source.

Grandson Mandla in family dispute over burial and a court interdict filed.

Reports that the Pretoria Military Chapel has been equipped to receive Mandela’s body in preparation of funeral.

June 28, 2013: Media given one hour to remove their vehicle from outside Mandela’s hospital.

Obama arrives in South Africa, conflicting reports on Mandela from Government and family that state the icon is getting better. Thousands of social media reports confirming that Mandela is dead.

June 29, 2013: Preparation and chart of funeral procession is published

Max Sisulu, ANC spokesperson states that Mandela’s condition is improving.

President Obama meets with Mandela family for brief meeting and doesn’t visit Nelson Mandela at the family’s request. President Zuma announces that there is a “flicker of hope” for Mandela and his ex-wife Winnie states that he is getting better.

Former president FW De Klerk cancels holiday (vacation) plans and returns to South Africa.

Local news reports highlight President Obama’s visit and only a few references to Mandela are mentioned. President Zuma states that Mandela’s condition is unchanged and that he will, hopefully, get better soon and be discharged from the hospital.

That concludes the “health timeline” of Nelson Mandela. Our sources continue to re-affirm that Nelson Mandela died last week as we initially and truthfully reported. We have received news of more sources who have come forward to report to us that Madiba did indeed die last week as we reported.

We have further information about the great man’s death that will be written about in another article. We know, for example, that the British government approached the South African government on June 30, 2013 and requested permission to hold a memorial service for Nelson Mandela and that the Queen will be attending.

Doesn’t sound like they believe the lie that Mandela is getting better either.

Our sources, combined with the sustained two-day attack on our website from South Africa,  have led us to believe even more firmly that our report was correct.

If you read the health timeline for the South African icon of peace, you can see where propaganda and misinformation from the South African president and his government begin. The death of Nelson Mandela was a tragedy and the cover-up, a travesty. That the Mandela family has been coerced into backing the lie is obvious. We stand firm on our claim that the great man died last week and we know that this travesty will soon be over.

Written by Michael Smith (United Kingdom), based on a timeline by Laura Oneale (South Africa)
Contributor: Graham J Noble (United States)

Here is an alternative view of what has gone on .....

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/486574/20130704/nelson-mandlea-family-grave-digging-doctors-advise.htm

Nelson Mandela Death Fears: Family Refuse to Switch off Life Support till Missing Bodies Returned

Doctors in Pretoria hospital tell Mandela family to turn off life support to end his suffering - but family won't budge

Nelson Mandela's family has been adivsed to turn off his life support machine (Reuters)

Nelson Mandela's family have been advised by doctors to turn off his life support machine to end his suffering - but have refused until they get back the bodies of three of his children that were dug up and taken by his grandson.

In the latest twist in an increasingly macabre story, senior members snubbed medical advice and said that until the corpses, which were taken by his grandson Mandla, had been returned to their original resting place in Qunu, Mandela's life support would stay switched on.

They argued that the former president should not be buried alone.

According to South Africa's Independent Online, an affidavit presented at the Mthatha High Court by the family said: "The family has been advised by the medical practitioners that his life support machine should be switched off. Rather than prolonging his suffering, the Mandela family is exploring this option as a very real probability.

"The applicants do not want a situation to be created in which Mr Nelson Mandela's remains are committed to lie in a burial site, entirely alone and absent from those remains of his children and grandchild.

"It has always been the desire of Mr Nelson Mandela for his remains to be buried at his family's homestead in Qunu near Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

"The applicants are desirous of burying their father and committing him to the earth in which his descendant's remains lie.

"It's incontestable that these are the wishes of Mr Nelson Mandela. But because Mandela's grandson, Mandla, had removed the remains of the three relatives and reburied them at his homestead in Mvezo, Mandela could not be laid to rest with them."

Self-serving interests

Mandla Mandela, the chief of Mvezo, was ordered to return the bodies to the family to be reburied in Qunu, where the anti-apartheid hero grew up.

After he refused, police raided his property to retrieve the corpses of Mandela's daughter Makaziwe, who died as an infant, and his two eldest sons, Makgatho (Mandla's father) and Madiba Thembekile.

The family say Mandla moved the bodies so he could profit from Mandela's death, knowing his grandfather would want to be buried with his dead children, and was planning to turn Mvezo into a place of pilgrimage.

"It would appear that the first respondent [Mandla] desires that Mr Nelson Mandela be interred in his land for self-serving interests," the affidavit said. "By controlling the area in which these descendants' remains are buried, he expects that the remains of Nelson Mandela will soon follow."

DNA tests were being carried out to confirm their identities of the corpses. If confirmed, they will be reburied in Qunu.

Mandla said he would not appeal against the latest ruling.

Mandela has been in hospital since 8 June when he was admitted with breathing difficulties.

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/mandela/2013/06/28/mandela-s-health-overshadows-obama-visit

Mandela's health overshadows Obama visit

JUN 28, 2013 | SAPA-DPA  | 18 COMMENTS

All of South Africa is agitated. Whether in offices, businesses or government offices, in the huts of townships such as Khayelitsha or the luxury villas in Camps Bay and Constantia: Everywhere, radios and televisions chatter constantly, everyone following the news spellbound.

• inShare

Wellwishers gather in support of ailing former president Nelson Mandela outside his former home in Soweto. REUTERS/Kevin Coombs

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"Viva Mandela! Viva Mandela!" sing the colourfully dressed women dancing in front of the hospital in Pretoria. Children bring pictures they have drawn, teddy bears, dolls and balloons, while adults lay down bouquets and greeting cards.

The closely guarded hospital is increasingly a place of pilgrimage. Behind its walls, national hero Nelson Mandela is struggling for his life.

At night, candles burn in front of the hospital. People are often seen praying together. During the day there is a lot of singing, especially the old anthems of the ANC liberation movement, now South Africa's ruling party.

Everyone praises the achievements of the now seriously ill former president. A wealthy businessman was permitted to release 100 white doves into the sky on Tuesday in recognition of the work towards reconciliation of the father of South African democracy.

All of South Africa is agitated. Whether in offices, businesses or government offices, in the huts of townships such as Khayelitsha or the luxury villas in Camps Bay and Constantia: Everywhere, radios and televisions chatter constantly, everyone following the news spellbound.

The fate of the grand old man of South Africa is on everyone's lips. "Let him die with dignity at last," Cape Town businesswoman Glini Le Roux said, articulating what many are thinking.

The media, who have besieged the hospital for weeks in tents, caravans and satellite vans, have come in for criticism. Mandela's eldest surviving daughter Makaziwe called foreign journalists camped outside the building "vultures" who were "waiting for the last carcasses."

"There is an element of racism to their attitude. That is the image that we have as a family," she said in a TV interview.

Mandela's struggle is increasingly affecting public life. South Africa's politicians have put aside all their plans. After President Jacob Zuma hurried to Mandela's bedside on Wednesday, he announced he would not take part in a regional summit in Mozambique.

Many took this as a sign that Mandela was now dying - or even already dead, as some sensationalist reports had it. On Thursday, there was a surprise: Following his second visit to Mandela's bedside in 24 hours, Zuma reported his condition had improved.

Mandela's health has weighed on the visit of US President Barack Obama, who is expected in Johannesburg on Friday with an entourage of about 1,000 people.

"The US diplomats here are deeply concerned," one of them said, given what would happen in the event of Mandela's death and the subsequent national mourning.

They know that if Mandela died, the president's agenda, with a visit to Soweto, academic honors in Johannesburg and Cape Town and a keynote speech in Cape Town - probably on the future of Africa - would be impossible.

http://guardianlv.com/2013/06/nelson-mandela-life-support-shut-down-as-respected-humanitarian-dies-age-94/

Nelson Mandela Life Support Shut Down as Respected Humanitarian Dies Age 94? (UPDATE)

Conflicting Reports on Nelson Mandela Death at 94 (Update)

Added by Michael Smith on June 26, 2013.
Saved under Breaking News!, Michael Smith, Rebecca Savastio,South Africa, World

This is an update to the original article that I wrote last night. It has upset a lot of people and I have written an addendum with new facts that will prove our assertions that the great man is dead. If you want to read the original article please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Despite the fact that reliable sources have revealed that after Nelson Mandela’s life support machine was shut down and he died with his family around him, the South African government continues to insist that Mandela is recovering and not dead yet. According to our sources in South Africa Nelson Mandela has died in the hospital aged 94.

We stand behind our original article and have provided the following information that has been supplied to us by our local South African sources.

Our sources have relayed to us that there is a massive cover-up being undertaken by President Zumba and the South African government. While the world still waits for official confirmation about the truth about the great man’s death, we have been informed that he has, in fact, already died.

Again, according to our South African local sources, the iconic Mandela died while he was still in the hospital for the recurring lung infection that left him in critical condition for several days.

Rumors have flooded the newspapers and the internet with several sources reporting his death days earlier in a cruel attempt to fool the public and to upset the many people who have respect for this great humanitarian. The loss of the great man will be felt across the world. Our report is an effort to reveal the truth behind the conflicting reports on Mandela’s death.

Yesterday one of our South African journalists, Laura Oneale, wrote an article questioning whether or not Nelson Mandela was still alive. He had been in the hospital 19 days for a recurring lung infection. Speculation surrounding his health continued to grow with many asking whether he was still alive or if, in fact, he had died. Authorities have thus far only confirmed that he was on a life support machine and that he remains in critical condition.

Some sources have gone so far as to say that the world-respected humanitarian is actually improving. These statements appear to be a part of the larger “smoke screen” that has South Africans calling for President Zuma to tell the truth about whether Mandela is dead or alive.

Authorities have confirmed that Nelson Mandela has been taken off his life support machine, adding fuel to the speculation that he had died. Because of this, the rumor has been spreading that Nelson Mandela died last night and that the government and his family have “kept a lid” on the news because of American President Obama’s upcoming trip to South Africa. Obviously, the president’s visit will be overshadowed by the announcement of the Nobel Prize winning Mandela.

The Nobel Prize winning humanitarian Nelson Mandela had his life support shut down after he died last night aged 94 at the end of a long battle with illness that ended with his hospitalization and finally his death. While his health problems started in 2011, it was the summer of this year when his condition worsened.

On June 8, 2013, Mandela’s lung infection worsened and he was re-hospitalized in Pretoria in  serious condition. After four days, it was reported that he had stabilized and that he remained in a “serious, but stable condition”.

While on his way to the hospital, the ambulance carrying Mandela broke down and was stranded on the roadside for 40 minutes. The South African government was criticized for the incident when it confirmed the report weeks later. President Jacob Zuma protested: “There were seven doctors in the convoy who were in full control of the situation throughout the period. He had expert medical care.”

On June 22, 2013 CBS News reported that Mandela had not opened his eyes in days and that he was unresponsive. The family began discussing just how much medical intervention should be given.

On June 23, 2013 President Jacob Zuma issued a statement saying that Mandela’s condition had become “critical.” Zuma, who was accompanied by the Deputy President of the ANC, Cyril Ramaphosa, met with Mandela’s wife Graca Machel at the hospital in Pretoria and discussed his condition.

On June 25, 2013, Cape Town Archbishop Thabo Makgoba visited Mandela at the hospital and prayed with Graca Machel Mandela “at this hard time of watching and waiting.”

On June 26, 2013, Nelson Mandela was taken off life support after his condition deteriorated further. Sources have said that the 94 year-old Mandela died last night after his life support was shut down. A medical source explained to us that no one is left on life support after 24 hours as they are then technically brain dead.

The Las Vegas Guardian Express writer Laura Oneale also wrote that in Qunu, the home town of Nelson Mandela, his family got together with the elders to discuss specific events surrounding the well-being of Mandela. It has been confirmed that they were talking about highly sensitive issues, but trying to get further information has been difficult.

Our local writer also said, “Nobody wants to talk, it is a big cover up. The family reports he is gravely ill, then Zuma tells the media Mandela is getting better. The people here in SA are upset with Zuma and don’t believe him. A lot of people are believing he is dead. [There are] Plenty of remarks about the integrity of Zuma.”

In the home town of Qunu, where Mandela will be buried, they are repairing the roads, and continue to clean up the city. Allegedly they are expecting a large contingent of journalists who will be travelling down there.

There is other “evidence” that points to Nelson Mandela having already died, like the presence of the “red blanket.” Mandela’s daughter, who was seen wearing a red blanket, and other family members were at the great man’s gravesite. It is part of Xhosa tradition that family members cover themselves with a red blanket when there has been a death in the family, not in preparation of someone dying, but only when a family member has died.

We have gotten a lot of angry remonstrations for reporting the real news as has been passed on to us from reliable sources. One source works for the government owned TV station and does not want to be named for fear of losing their job or worse. Our sources are reporting the truth, completely the opposite of what the South African government is doing.

We have been warned that if we persist in exposing the fact that Nelson Mandela has already died that it will cause severe problems for the South African government. Out local journalist has told us that “the majority of people will take to the streets to morn his death and the weeping and wailing would be a nightmare; the economy will suffer and the different tribes will make a massive drama about his death.”

Our writer also goes onto say “They have different ways of preparing and performing funerals here.”

We have also learned that a lot of the bad publicity and anger that we’ve received at the Las Vegas Guardian Express is based on “jealousy and from support for the Zuma team.” President Zuma has gone on record stating that Nelson Mandela is improving and the South African public have said that he is lying. The backlash from his “covering up” of Mandela’s death will be severe.

Our local journalist also pointed out that there have been many cases in the past of world leaders dying and the truth not being revealed for days, or even weeks. Mandela’s death, coinciding with President Obama’s visit, would be a potential security nightmare for the South African government. It has been alleged that the SA government is in talks with the US government right now regarding how and when Mandela’s death should be revealed.

Our local Journalist has been attempting to get further confirmation on Mandela’s death, but nothing is being mentioned. Our sources have said that local people believe he is dead and that the government is covering up the story. The reasons given for this cover up is the American president’s visit and the economic situation. There are rumours that the government will announce his death beginning of July and declare July Mandela month.

His birthday is on July 18.

We have been told that the government spokesperson, Mac Maharaj, had a slip of the tongue by saying the elders who were meeting in Qunu were “arranging the funeral.” It was also reported is that Zuma cancelled a trip abroad and that this indicates more evidence of a cover up or is an indication of how serious the situation is.

SABC News showed the gravediggers on television last night and this has caused the local people to now believe he is dead. People are angry and they are blaming SA President Zuma for the cover up.

We have had two sources (the second being a SA publication) confirm that Nelson Mandela has already died last night after his life support was shut down and that the respected iconic humanitarian has died age 94. It is our understanding that despite the conflicting reports on Nelson Mandela’s death, that the world respected Noble Peace Prize winning humanitarian has gone and the world will mourn his death.

By Michael Smith

Source

A reliable source has revealed that Nelson Mandela’s life support machine was shut down and he has died in the hospital aged 94. According to the source, the iconic Mandela died last night while he was still in the hospital for the recurring lung infection that left him in critical condition for several days.

Rumors have flooded the newspapers and the internet with several sources reporting his death days earlier in a cruel attempt to fool the public and to upset the many people who have respect for this great humanitarian. The loss of the great man will be felt across the world.

Earlier today one of our writers, Laura Oneale, wrote an article questioning whether or not Nelson Mandela was still alive. He had been in the hospital 19 days for a recurring lung infection. As speculation surrounding his health continued to grow with many asking whether he was still alive or if, in fact, he had died. Until recently authorities would only confirm that he was on a life support system and remained in a critical condition.

Authorities have confirmed that Nelson Mandela has been taken off his life support machine, adding fuel to the speculation that he had died. Because of this, the rumor has been spreading that Nelson Mandela died last night and that the government and his family have “kept a lid” on the news because of American President Obama’s upcoming trip to South Africa. Obviously, the president’s visit will be overshadowed by the announcement of the Nobel Prize winning Mandela.

The Nobel Prize winning humanitarian Nelson Mandela had his life support shut down after he died last night aged 94 at the end of a long battle with illness that ended with his hospitalization and finally his death. While his health problems started in 2011, it was the summer of this year when his condition worsened.

In February 2011, he was briefly hospitalized with a respiratory infection, attracting international attention. He was then re-hospitalized for a lung infection and gallstone removal in December 2012. After his successful medical procedure in March 2013 did not prevent his lung infection from recurring he was briefly hospitalized in Pretoria.

On June 8, 2013, his lung infection worsened and he was re-hospitalized in Pretoria in a serious condition. After four days, it was reported that he had stabilized and that he remained in a “serious, but stable condition”.

While on his way to the hospital, the ambulance carrying Mandela broke down and was stranded on the roadside for 40 minutes. The South African government was criticized for the incident when it confirmed the report weeks later. President Jacob Zuma protested: “There were seven doctors in the convoy who were in full control of the situation throughout the period. He had expert medical care.”

On June 22, 2013 CBS News reported that Mandela had not opened his eyes in days and that he was unresponsive. The family began discussing just how much medical intervention should be given.

On June 23, 2013 President Jacob Zuma issued a statement saying that Mandela’s condition had become “critical.” Zuma, who was accompanied by the Deputy President of the ANC, Cyril Ramaphosa, met with Mandela’s wife Graca Machel at the hospital in Pretoria and discussed his condition.

On June 25, 2013, Cape Town Archbishop Thabo Makgoba visited Mandela at the hospital and prayed with Graca Machel Mandela “at this hard time of watching and waiting.”

On June 26, 2013, Nelson Mandela was taken off life support after his condition deteriorated further. Sources have said that the 94 year-old Mandela died last night after his life support was shut down.

The Las Vegas Guardian Express writer Laura Oneale also wrote that in Qunu, the home town of Nelson Mandela, his family got together with the elders to discuss specific events surrounding the well-being of Mandela. It has been confirmed that they were talking about highly sensitive issues.

The grandson of Nelson Mandela angrily left the meeting over a disagreement of where the former president was to be buried. Mandela’s daughter, who was seen wearing a red blanket, and other family members were at the gravesite. It has been reported that the “red blanket” is part of a tribal ceremony of the Xhosa. According to Xhosa custom the blanket is used when a family member has died.

Later in the same day, gravediggers arrived at the Mandela burial site.

Sources have confirmed that Nelson Mandela died last night after his life support was shut down and the respected iconic humanitarian has died age 94. Details of the funeral arrangements will be released when they become available.

By Michael Smith
United Kingdom

Source

Was the White House aware of Mandela's death - and how could they not be aware if they met with the family during the trip to South Africa ? So , what motivation was there to play the game offered by South Africa President Zuma ? 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/29/barack-obama-nelson-mandela

Barack Obama pays homage to Nelson Mandela on visit to South Africa

US president calls Mandela 'an inspiration to the world and a personal hero' and meets members of his family

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• David Batty, Conal Urquhart and agencies
• guardian.co.uk, Saturday 29 June 2013 10.09 EDT

US president Barack Obama speaks at a press conference in Pretoria with South African leader Jacob Zuma. Photograph: Gary Cameron/Reuters

Barack Obama has paid homage to Nelson Mandela in his first visit to South Africa since coming to power, describing the country's first black president as an "inspiration to the world and a personal hero".

The US president praised the "moral courage" of Mandela, 94, who remains in a stable but critical condition in hospital, and encouraged other African and world leaders to follow his example.

Referring to Mandela by his clan name, Obama praised his role in steering the country through its historic transition from apartheid to democracy: "Madiba's moral courage … has been a personal inspiration to me. It has been an inspiration to the world."

Obama met members of Mandela's family privately in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The meeting at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, part of the former South African president's foundation, lasted for about half an hour. The White House said Obama had met two of Mandela's daughters and eight grandchildren.

Speaking earlier at a joint news conference with the South African president, Jacob Zuma, Obama said: "The outpouring of love that we've seen in recent days shows that the triumph of Nelson Mandela and this nation speaks to something very deep in the human spirit, the yearning for justice and dignity that transcends boundaries of race and class and faith and country.

"That's what Nelson Mandela represents, that's what South African at its best represents to the world, and that's what brings me back here."

Zuma paid tribute to Obama and Mandela, saying they were "bound by history as the first black presidents of your respective countries.

"Thus, you both carry the dreams of millions of people in Africa and in the diaspora who were previously oppressed," he said.

Zuma said Mandela was "critical but stable", adding: "We hope that very soon he will be out of hospital".

The prospect of a meeting between the first black presidents of the US and South Africa has receded since Mandela was taken to hospital with a recurring lung infection three weeks ago. But on Friday Obama indicated it had not been ruled out. "We'll see what the situation is when we land,"he told journalists on board Air Force One.

"I don't need a photo op, and the last thing I want to do is to be in any way obtrusive at a time when the family is concerned about Nelson Mandela's condition.

"I've had the opportunity to meet with him. Michelle and the girls had an opportunity to meet with him. Right now, our main concern is with his wellbeing, his comfort, and with the family's wellbeing and comfort."

Obama is due to visit Soweto, the sprawling township where Mandela used to live, on Saturday. On Sunday he will head to Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.

Eusebius McKaiser, a political analyst and radio talkshow host, said a meeting between Obama and Mandela would be undesirable. "Nelson Mandela is incredibly frail and in the process of possibly dying," he said.

His "bodily demise" should not be confused with his political legacy, McKaiser added, arguing that Obama should keep the latter alive through speech and action rather than "trying to engage his legacy by being physically present".

The leader of the world's dominant superpower can seldom have found himself reduced to a sideshow on foreign shores. McKaiser said: "Obama would never be overshadowed domestically in any country as he is by Madiba.

"Nelson Mandela is such a larger-than-life figure that the only way Obama seems to be able to get press coverage of his African tour is when he talks about Nelson Mandela. That's quite remarkable when you consider the geopolitical importance of the US presidency."

Obama and the first lady have a busy schedule over the weekend, but media reports said it could be torn up should Mandela die.

An Obama camp source quoted in South Africa's Mail & Guardian newspaper said: "If something happens, we're not going to continue with some of the events. At this point, we're watching the news closely on Mandela."