JOHANNESBURG — Former South African President Nelson Mandela remains in critical condition as a family feud over his burial site intensifies and the ruling party defends itself against claims it exploited him.
Mandela’s grandson Mandla said Sunday that he will contest a court application brought against him by relatives. The Johannesburg-based City Press reported that the application relates to plans to rebury three of Mandela’s children in his home village of Qunu.
About two years ago, Mandla had the remains moved to Mvezo village, where he is the tribal chief.
Mandela has told his staff he wants to be buried in Qunu, City Press said.
Mandela, who turns 95 this month, has been in a Pretoria hospital since June 8 for a lung infection. He remains “critical but stable,” President Jacob Zuma’s office said yesterday.
The African National Congress has come under attack from Mandela’s second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, for publishing a photo of him in April. It “compromised the family’s dignity,” she told Britain’s ITV News in an interview.
Her concerns weren’t raised with the ANC and her comments are “regrettable,” the party said, noting, “We have to demonstrate active interest in the life of President Mandela, who remains our leader and our icon.”