'Critically ill' Mandela's family says he's 'in charge of his own fate'

Nelson Mandela, who is although seriously sick, is the one making decisions about his own fate, his daughter has said.

The comments were made by Zindzi in a joint interview with mother, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, with British television ITN.

They both were critical of public discussions about whether or not the family should keep the ailing Nobel peace laureate alive, news.com.au reports.

Zindzi said that people want the family to let Mandela go, but it was a very difficult situation, as Mandela is the father, husband, grandfather of some one in the family.

She said that in fact, it is him who is actually choosing to hang around. He is deciding what is happening with himself. It is between him and his maker, it has nothing to do with the family whatsoever.

She said that the media and public speculation was 'so hurtful and insensitive'.

According to the report, Winnie was divorced from Nelson Mandela in 1996, after 38 years of marriage, although 27 of them he spent behind bars for his leading role in the struggle against racist white minority rule.

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj confirmed on Sunday that Mandela was still critical, but stable care at a Pretoria hospital.

Well-wishers kept gathering outside the hospital throughout the weekend to place cards and flowers and to pray for Mandela.