The family of ailing former South African President, Nelson Mandela, says the elder statesman is putting up a courageous fight from his “deathbed” in his Houghton home in Johannesburg.

Mandela who is 95-years-old has been receiving medical care for a protracted lung infection since the spring.

“Tata is still with us, strong and courageous. Even for a lack of a better word on his death bed, he is teaching us lessons of tolerance. Every moment l get with him, l am amazed. There are times where l have to pinch myself that l come from this man who is struggling, but fighting spirit is still there with him,” Makaziwe, his daughter said.

His grandchild, Ndaba Mandela, lamented Madiba’s ill health: “He is still with us although he is not doing well in bed.”

Mandela was admitted to the Pretoria Heart Hospital in June where he was treated for a recurring lung infection.

He was discharged from hospital three months later to receive home based care at his Houghton home in Johannesburg, where 22 specialist doctors are attending to him.

Mandela celebrated his 95th birthday at the Pretoria Heart Hospital in July.