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Speaking on SABC Makaziwe Nelson Mandela's daughter accused some journalists of racism describing them as vultures
South African President Jacob Zuma says that Nelson Mandela's condition has improved but still remains critical.
He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night Mr Zuma said after speaking to the 94 year old's medical team.
South Africa's first black president an icon of the anti apartheid struggle has been in hospital in Pretoria since 8 June with a lung infection.
Mr Zuma cancelled a visit to Mozambique to visit Mr Mandela in hospital.
Meanwhile Mr Mandela's daughter Makaziwe said he was still there and responding to touch.
Emotional crowds have gathered outside the hospital adding messages of support for Mr Mandela known by his clan name Madiba.
Continue reading the main story At the scene Gabriel Gatehouse BBC News PretoriaThe gate outside the hospital is festooned with flowers cards and placards. Get well soon Tata Madiba many of them say as they gather to pay tribute to a man who changed the face of a nation.
A group of children from a nearby township squealed with delight as they released dozens of balloons into the air.
Members of the ANC Youth League arrived singing songs dressed in yellow T shirts emblazoned with the words There is no born free without a liberator.
Children released 94 balloons one for every year of the ex president's life into the air in his honour.
Correspondents say South Africans now seem resigned to the prospect of his death.
We don't like seeing Mandela going through so much pain he has had a tough time in his life and he's gone through a lot of struggle. I think this struggle should get over sooner Khulile Mlondleni told Reuters news agency.
We are all going to feel bad when he passes away but at the same time we will be celebrating his life. He has done so many great things for this country said 25 year old John Ndlovu quoted by the agency.
US President Barack Obama who is in Senegal described Mr Mandela as a hero for the world .
His legacy will linger on through the ages he said.
Speculation warning
Continue reading the main story Nelson Mandela Key dates 1918 Born in the Eastern Cape 1944 Joins African National Congress 1956 Charged with high treason but charges dropped 1962 Arrested convicted of sabotage sentenced to five years in prison 1964 Charged again sentenced to life 1990 Freed from prison 1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize 1994 Elected first black president 1999 Steps down as leader BBC History Mandela's defiant freedom speechAfter visiting her grandfather in hospital Ndileka Mandela said it was an anxious time for the family.
He's stable and we'd like to say that we thank everybody for giving their support and praying with us... we are anxious as you know that he is critical but he's in a stable condition right now she said.
It's been hard especially because of all of this that we have to do everything in the public eye.
Later Mr Mandela's daughter Makaziwe said that while the situation was serious he was still responsive.
He doesn't look good I'm not going to lie. But as I say if we speak to him he responds and tries to open his eyes. He's still there. He might be waning off but he's still there she told public broadcaster SABC.
She was also highly critical of the behaviour of the international media.
There is sort of a racist element with many of the foreign national media where they cross boundaries it's like truly vultures waiting for when the lion has devoured the buffalo we don't mind the interest but I just think that it has gone overboard Ms Mandela said.
Mr Zuma's spokesman Mac Maharaj also criticised some media outlets for broadcasting unverified information as rumours spread on social media sites.
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Ndileka Mandela A lot of comfort in messages of support
Meanwhile media reports say the bodies of three of Mr Mandela's children are to be moved from his birthplace to his home in Qunu where he himself has said he wants to be buried.
They include his son Makgatho who died of an Aids related illness in 2005.
Mr Mandela is revered for leading the fight against white minority rule in South Africa and then preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was elected president the following year. He left office in 1999 after a single term.
Mr Mandela retired from public life in 2004 and has rarely been seen at official events since.
He has a long history of lung problems and was diagnosed with tuberculosis in the 1980s while he was a prisoner on Robben Island off Cape Town.
After his release Mr Mandela said that the tuberculosis was probably caused by dampness in his prison cell.
For days South Africans have been arriving outside the Pretoria hospital to express their support for Nelson Mandela. As part of the efforts of well wishers children let off 94 white balloons each one representing a year in Mr Mandela's life Some lit candles as they prayed for the revered former leader. The iconic leader has been in hospital since 8 June but his condition is said to be worsening. Many are now resigned to the fact that Mr Mandela may not recover.
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