Ailing anti-apartheid leader and former South African President Nelson Mandela remained in hospital on Wednesday in a “critical but stable” condition.
Outside his home in the Houghton area of Johannesburg, well-wishers left messages of support and flowers.
Supporters also leave tributes to the former president outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria where he is being treated.
Local people said they don’t want to lose Mandela, but might have to accept that his life is coming to an end.
“Everybody don’t want to lose him because he is an icon. We still want him to live but then I think it’s about time now. Because – you all know nothing lasts forever. So we just have to appreciate it and let it go, let God deal with it,” said Mogau Mahltgi.
“I’m feeling very bad. I just wish him all the best so that he can recover soon. So all the best for him, may God bless him. We still need him, until,” said Emmanuel Muludzi.
Mandela has been at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital for more than three weeks.
The faltering health of the 94-year-old, a figure admired globally as a symbol of struggle against injustice and racism, has reinforced a realisation that the father of the post-apartheid South Africa will not be around for ever.