Bloemfontein – Northern Cape residents were asked to keep former president Nelson Mandela in their prayers on Wednesday.

Provincial ANC secretary Zamani Saul said the party in the province wanted to extend its well-wishes to Mandela.

“We are joining millions of people across the globe in wishing the Nobel Peace Prize winner a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the former statesman.”

Mandela, suffering from a recurring lung problem, was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on 8 June.

His condition had since become critical.

Saul said the ANC was confident in the medical care he was receiving.

He said Mandela’s commitment and dedication in fighting for the freedom of South Africa had left an indelible footprint in the hearts of people the world over.

Mandela epitomised peace, non-racialism, democracy and the hope for a better future, Saul said.

– SAPA