Twitter users in South Africa have widely attacked footage of former president Nelson Mandela, demanding the country’s politicians leave the ailing icon alone.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) yesterday broadcast exclusive footage of an impassive Mandela flanked by President Jacob Zuma, African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa and party chairwoman Baleka Mbete.
Though the report said Mandela was in good spirit, he was shown staring blankly at the camera and a flash light seemed to affect his eyes at one point.
Twitter users reacted angrily to the broadcast.
Judge a nation by the way it cares for its old people. You did not deserve this #Madiba
— Friederike Bubenzer (@FBubenzer) April 30, 2013
Madiba is not a prop to be used to garner votes for the ANC. Leave the man in peace. youtube.com/watch?feature=…
— CapeTownInteractive (@ct_interactive) April 30, 2013
Horrified at the #Madiba video and commentary…Everyone who took part in this, should be very ashamed. #phoneflash #disgusting
— David Shields (@daveshields_) April 30, 2013
Zuma told SABC Mandela was “up and about”.
“We had some conversation with him, shook hands, he was smiling,” he said. “He’s really up and about, [and] stabilised. We are very happy, we think he is fine.”
This too drew the wrath of South African Twitter users.
RT @zeebo2:”Madiba is doing well, he was smiling and shaking hands with everyone. He’s up and about”-Zuma.Which Madiba was JZ talking about?
— Lebogang Moeketsi (@lebonth) April 30, 2013
“@mandywiener: ‘Relaxed and well’ and ‘Up and about” The problem with Zuma and ANC is they keep underestimating people’s intelligence#madiba
— Suzette Lombard (@SuzeCinqueCento) April 30, 2013
Others sounded a different note, saying since there had previously been complaints about a “cloud of secrecy” surrounding Mandela, people should not now complain that pictures had been broadcast.
They don’t let you see Madiba you complain. They let you see Madiba and you still complain. Kante le batla eng hantle hantle?
— mpho khiba (@Mpho_Khiba) April 30, 2013
I really dnt undastan what’s the fuss over Madiba’s pic yesterday. When we’re denied those pics we cry, when shown them we cry… WTF
— Tshepo Herby Mphela (@herby_tshepo1) April 30, 2013
The former president and Nobel Laureate left hospital earlier this month after nine days of treatment for recurring lung ailments. His last major public appearance was at the FIFA World Cup final in Johannesburg in July 2010.
