Ailing anti-apartheid leader and former South African President Nelson Mandela began a 27th day in hospital on Thursday, amid a family dispute over the graves of three of his children.<br/> <br />The spat over the site of the Mandela family graves has transfixed and appalled South Africa's 53 million people as they contemplate the reality that the father of the post-apartheid "Rainbow Nation" will not be with them forever.<br/> <br />In a court affidavit filed against Mandla last week, Mandela's eldest daughter, Makaziwe, argued for an urgent hearing, saying her father was in a "perilous" condition and breathing with the aid of life-support, local media said.<br/> <br />Meanwhile South Africans continue to pray for the ailing statesman as he fights for his life in hospital.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL RESIDENT, PARDON MOSASA, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I would like to wish him a speedy recovery and wish him many more years. He is an icon in our continent and I would just like to wish him well."
