BREAKING. Nelson Mandela in critical condition; Madiba's condition deteriorates as TV news crews mobilise for coverage.

Nelson Mandela (94) is now in critical condition in hospital after his condition has deteriorated the past 24 hours, according to a statement from the presidency, prompting TV news crews in South Africa and internationally to mobilise for a fresh week of coverage of the ailing statesman.

In a statement released on Sunday night by the presidency, the South African government says "the condition of former president Nelson Mandela, who is still in hospital in Pretoria, has become critical."

Nelson Mandela's condition has deteriorated the past 24 hours who is now in "critical" condition.

"The doctors are doing everything possible to get his condition to improve and are ensuring that Madiba is well-looked after and is comfortable. He is in good hands," says president Jacob Zuma.

BBC World News (Toptv 400 / DStv 400), CNN International (DStv 401) and Sky News (DStv 402) are just two of the 24-hour global news channels which immediately went live to the front of the Pretoria hospital for reports.