Zuma and co. described Nelson Mandela as being in good shape, but he is clearly not. According to news24, the ANC and SABC are facing a ‘backlash,’ following the release of this footage.

According to news24:

Social media commentators on Monday rounded on the ANC and the SABC after new footage of Nelson Mandela was released showing a clearly ailing former president, despite the party’s earlier assurances to the contrary.

President Jacob Zuma and high-ranking members of the ANC had visited Mandela at his Houghton home earlier in the day, accompanied by the SABC, who released “exclusive” footage of the visit.

President Jacob Zuma said he found Mandela “in good shape and in good spirits”, adding that “…as you can see him, that he’s really up and about and stabilised”.

But the “exclusive” footage painted a much more worrisome picture, showing him with a vacant look on his face, and appearing to utter very few words.

Mandela attempts a weak smile but, as the flash goes off, he closes his eyes and purses his lips. Mandela is known to dislike camera flashes, as his eyes are sensitive after years of working in the glare of a limestone quarry when he was imprisoned on Robben Island.

[more here]

Mmm, surely they felt even slightly awkward filming that? The guy’s 94 – does he need a photo op? We certainly wouldn’t want one if that is the result. If they think this is the ‘Madiba Magic’ they need to help them in the next election, it may well blow up in their faces.

[source:sabc youtube]