Nelson Mandela's daughter slams media 'vultures' for violating father's privacy

Ailing former South African President Nelson Mandela's eldest daughter has lambasted foreign media 'vultures' for violating her father's privacy, as he is still critical in hospital.

Makaziwe Mandela accused the foreign media of 'a racist element' by crossing cultural boundaries.

She also accused them of being a 'nuisance' standing outside the Pretoria hospital where Mandela is on life support.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Makaziwe told the state broadcaster SABC that the media was violating all boundaries.

Updates on Mandela's health are strictly controlled by the South African presidency, but this has not stopped hordes of foreign and local media flocking to his hospital.

She said her father's status as a global icon did not mean that his privacy and dignity should not be respected.

Hundreds of South Africans, many of them children, have been flocking to the hospital, leaving cards, balloons, flowers and messages of support for the anti-apartheid hero.

His daughter said that Mandela was opening his eyes and responding to touch.