Former President Nelson Mandela’s worsening condition has forced South African President President Jacob Zuma to cancel his trip to Mozambique. “This was announced on Wednesday night after Zuma visited Madiba at the Heart Hospital in Pretoria where he is being treated for a recurring lung infection,” says South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

“Presidential Spokesperson Mac Maharaj says Madiba’s condition got worse over the past 48 hours. Madiba is now spending his 20th day in hospital,” adds SABC.

Shortly before10 o’clock last night, President Zuma, accompanied by a 12-car convoy, visited Mandela at the Pretoria hospital. Based on what he saw, he cancelled his plans to attend the SADC Infrastructure Investment Conference which starts in the Mozambican capital, Maputo, on Friday morning.

Security remains tight at the medical facility amidst unconfirmed reports that the great man is now on life support.

•Photo shows President Zuma.