An unusual and disturbing situation is playing out at the Pretoria hospital in South Africa where the country’s iconic former President Nelson Mandela is on admission. Unlike what has been happening since the anti-apartheid hero’s admission 19 days ago, neither family members nor government officials have visited him in hospital since today.

“It has been a quiet day at the Pretoria hospital where Mandela is being treated for a recurring lung infection,” says a report early this afternoon by the official South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). “Only Mandela’s personal physician VJ Ramlakan has been seen entering the premises. No other family members or government officials have visited him in hospital on Wednesday,” according to the report.

However, “People are still coming to the hospital to convey get well wishes to Mandela,” the report says.

SABC also South Africa’s Congress of Traditional Leaders’ president Phathekile Holomisa as saying that Mandela’s critical condition is cause for great concern.

Speaking at Mthatha airport this morning, Holomisa said if it was up to him, he’d ask the Creator to make a quick decision on the international icon’s life.

•Photo shows Mandela.