Nelson Mandela still in critical condition as family gathers

Members of Nelson Mandela's family and tribal elders gathered Tuesday at the former president's rural hometown in eastern South Africa, as concern grew for the 94-year-old leader who spent a third day in critical condition in a hospital, local media reported.

The office of President Jacob Zuma said Mandela's condition remained unchanged after reporting late Sunday that his health had deteriorated to critical, alarming many South Africans as well as people around the world who regard the former president as a symbol of sacrifice and reconciliation.

Mandela's family members held a meeting at his home in Qunu village in the Eastern Cape province, 1,000 kilometres south of Johannesburg, where the anti-apartheid leader grew up. No details on what was discussed in the meeting were announced. Those at the gathering included Mandela's grandsons Mandla and Ndaba Mandela, according to press reports.