The family of ailing global icon Nelson Mandela has scheduled an urgent and important meeting amidst fears that the end of the great man might be near at hand.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported minutes ago that the meeting was called by Mandela’s eldest daughter Makaziwe in Qunu in the Eastern Cape. “She is accompanied by her sister Zenani and Madiba’s grandson Ndaba as well as Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu,” SABC reported.

“UDM leader Bantu Holomisa arrived earlier on a separate flight. It is understood that such a meeting takes place in the Xhosa culture when a family member is critically ill,” the radio station added.

The 94 years old former South African President was taken to hospital 18 days ago. After initially insisting that his condition was improving, South African President Jacob Zuma on Sunday announced that the Madiba’s health had deteriorated and that he was in critical condition.

Mandela (shown in photo) has been vulnerable to respiratory problems since contracting tuberculosis during his 27-year imprisonment under apartheid.