(The Root) — When it was tweeted that Nelson Mandela's granddaughters Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Swati Dlamini would be answering all questions asked via Twitter, the focus quickly turned to Mandela's health. The two are the stars of the reality show Being Mandela, and the Q&A happened on the show's Twitter page.
A lung infection sent the 94-year-old Mandela to the hospital on June 8, where his condition was listed as "serious but stable" by his second night. It was reported on June 26 that he was being kept alive by a breathing machine. There has been some public confusion as to Mandela's status, however, and his wife, Graca Machel, insisted earlier this month that he was "fine."
Given the mystery surrounding his health, it's no wonder that the pair spent much of the nine hours addressing questions about their ailing grandfather. They actually sidestepped questions about Mandela's health but answered most others. Check out some of the conversation below.
@NastasyaTay he does with eyes and eye movement
— Being Mandela (@BeingMandela) July 9, 2013
@emmahurdsky we saw him yesterday
— Being Mandela (@BeingMandela) July 9, 2013
@RobNisbetSky some media houses have been terrible but we know they have a job to do-& we have to protect Madiba rights as a patient
— Being Mandela (@BeingMandela) July 9, 2013
@jstraziuso he would prob be in Qunu and just relax with his great grand children-yes meet Obama wonderful man very genuine and kind!
— Being Mandela (@BeingMandela) July 9, 2013
@reenaninan I don't know he has shared so much of himself with the world. He actually is a very funny person. He knows how to make u laugh!
— Being Mandela (@BeingMandela) July 9, 2013
@carlo_petersen I have no authority to comment on his personal health
— Being Mandela (@BeingMandela) July 9, 2013
Read more at SABC News.
Tracy Clayton is a writer, humorist and blogger from Louisville, Ky.