South Africans hold prayer vigils for Madiba South Africans have held prayer vigils for former president Nelson Mandela. Outside the hospital in Pretoria where Mandela spent a 20th night people danced and sang songs for his well being. The latest medical update suggests the 94-year-old is stable, but critical. Many of those just want to be close to man known as Madiba. "As I am staying around here I find it is important to come closer to my global icon, to pray for him and also to pray for the Madiba," said one woman outside the hospital. In Soweto, the scene of many battles against apartheid and the former home of Nelson Mandela, people prayed and spoke in his honour. God even in this time of darkness is still here with us. He is still present with us and we hope that God will prevail, " said Reverend Sello Pelesani from the Soweto Methodist Church.