Former president Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital in the early hours of June 8 following the deterioration of a recurring lung infection from which he suffers.

Hordes of journalists kept the cold at bay on Monday night with cups of soup and boerewors rolls, now on sale thanks to enterprising locals, living in Celliers Street, outside the hospital.

While this was no extraordinary scene, the crowd of curious onlookers that accompanied them was, as more and more residents braved the winter air to watch the news crews go live from outside the hospital.

Behind the news crews, the Mediclinic Heart Hospital's sign is now almost completely covered by messages of support from well-wishers – many of them, children and students.

"Tata, I would not be studying architecture if it wasn't for you," read one poster. Below, bouquets of flowers decorate the pavement, while balloons, both limping and fresh, adorn a portion of the hospital's perimeter fence.

Shocking statement
The sudden spike in activity around the hospital was undoubtedly spurred on by Sunday's night's shock statement from the presidency, in which President Jacob Zuma said Mandela was now in a critical condition.

This was the first time that the presidency described Mandela's health that pointedly – during this hospital visit and before. A sharp sense of trepidation permeated the airwaves and social media spaces in the hours after the announcement, and that feeling remained thick in the air when journalists made their way to a briefing by Zuma on Monday morning.

The briefing was supposed to give Zuma the opportunity to address the country's media on youth issues. Indeed, the president took the opportunity to sing the ANC's praises.

Critical
But all of his remarks seemed insignificant until he finally talked about Mandela.

He visited the former statesman, along with ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, the night before. Zuma said Mandela was asleep, but he was able to talk with his wife, Graça Machel and his medical team.

Zuma could thus confirm on Monday morning that Mandela's health remained critical.

But presidential spokesperson, Mac Maharaj warned the media that he would not be pressed into discussing further details about Mandela's health. He said the doctor/patient privilege afforded all patients was the same that should be afforded Mandela.

A similar sentiment was expressed by Mandela's daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, who, in an interview with CNN, said the Mandela family was overwhelmed by the media attention. She said she expected "the world" to respect the family; Mandela was not only an icon but their father and grandfather, and that they wanted to deal with his illness in private.

Makaziwe, as well as several Mandela family members, including his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, visited Mandela's bedside on Monday, as per usual. Defence Minister Noziviwe Mapisa-Nqakula was also reportedly among Mandela's high-profile visitors, along with United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa.