Mandela is not believed to be able to breathe unaided and is still in a critical condition with a lung infection.
South African president Jacob Zuma cancelled a trip to Mozambique following a consultation with Mandela’s doctors.
Crowds are gathering outside the Pretoria hospital where the 94-year-old is being treated awaiting news.
The Archbishop of Cape Town has offered his prayers for a “peaceful, perfect end” for the man known to his people by his clan name of Madiba.
Reports in South Africa suggest that Mandela’s family have the option to turn off his ventilator.
Barack Obama arrived in Senegal last night as part of a scheduled visit to Africa and has said he will only visit Mandela with the permission of the anti-Apartheid icon’s family.
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