Mandela family gathers at his home

JOHANNESBURG — Members of Nelson Mandela’s family and tribal elders gathered Tuesday at the former president’s rural hometown in eastern South Africa, as concern grew for the 94-year-old leader who spent a third day in critical condition in a hospital, local media reported.

The office of President Jacob Zuma said Mandela’s condition remained unchanged from Sunday, when it was reported that his health had deteriorated to critical, alarming many South Africans, as well as people around the world who regard the former president as a symbol of sacrifice and reconciliation.

Mandela’s family members held a meeting at his home in Qunu village in the Eastern Cape province, 600 miles south of Johannesburg, where the anti-apartheid leader grew up. No details on what was discussed in the meeting were announced.

The Mail & Guardian, a South African newspaper, reported on its website that some elders in the area were only told of the meeting shortly before it started.

“Many of us in the village were not aware and we were only told this morning, so a number of Mandela elders still need to be transported to Qunu for the meeting,” the newspaper quoted Silumko Mandela, a relative, as saying earlier in the day.

A military helicopter was also seen hovering over the Mandela home, reported the online edition of City Press, a South African newspaper.

As on previous days, other family members were seen visiting the hospital in Pretoria where the Nobel Peace Prize laureate is being treated. South Africa’s defense minister and an Anglican archbishop also visited the facility.

Dozens of doves were released on Tuesday outside the hospital, which has attracted well-wishers who have gathered outside to leave messages of support for Mandela.