Pretoria – Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu visited former president Nelson Mandela in the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria on Friday.

Afterwards, he spoke of how the ailing elder statesman had united the nation.

“We have a special gift in a man who can unite not only South Africa but the world, even from his sick bed.”

Tutu visited a wall featuring messages of support for Mandela before speaking to media gathered outside.

He said the country needed to give thanks to God for the gift of an incredible man like Madiba who inspired a nation.

“He inspired us to become a great country and the world to become compassionate,” he said.

He said the iconic leader who was spending his 41st day in hospital due to a recurring lung infection was asleep but he managed to touch him and hold his hand.

Tutu praised Mandela’s current and ex-wives.

“I am humbled by the relationship and give thanks to a wonderful Graça in giving him joy in later years. I also salute Winnie for being extraordinary during hard times. I salute her and she knows,” said Tutu.

He described the Mandela family as wonderful. Speaking about Mandela’s 67 minutes, Tutu said the country could give one gift to Madiba.

“The gift is to stop littering for the entire year,” he said as he chuckled.

Speaking about Mandela, he said Friday was not as busy other days outside the hospital.

The large media contingent that has come to be associated with the area has decreased. A few pupils visited the wall to read messages from well-wishers.

Celliers Street which was a hive of activity the previous day was relatively empty.

– SAPA