Sources Say Nelson Mandela Is On Life Support, Suffering From Kidney Failure

 Nelson Mandela's condition is quickly deteriorating. Earlier in the week, Mandela was listed in critical condition over a recurring lung infection, and has reportedly been placed on life support.
Five "highly-placed " sources "close to the family" told The Citizen newspaper of the anti-Apartheid leader's status, which has yet to be updated publicly. "He is on a ventilation life support and his kidney function is very low.



He is critical, but has a entire team of doctors, from a cardiac specialist, pulmonary specialist, kidney specialist and a main consultant looking after him," a source said.
Two of the five people claimed to have visited the 94-year-old in the Pretoria hospital where's he's been admitted. In addition to the previous ailments, Mandela is said to be suffering from kidney failure and undergoing renal dialysis for three hours at a time, every other day.
Family members remain at Mandela's bedside and have allegdly been given the option to remove him from life support.
Zindzi Mandela, the former Souther African president's daughter, said her father "opened his eyes," and "gave a smile," upon hearing the President Obama would be visiting the country. The commander in chief and First Lady Michelle Obama are en route to the continent for an eight-day trip costing taxpayers as much as $100 million.
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Photo: Corbis