ANC defends video footage of frail Nelson Mandela

The African National Congress has responded to a barrage of criticism over broadcasting footage of a visibly frail Nelson Mandela by saying it wanted to share the anti-apartheid icon with South Africans and the world.

Social media and radio talk shows buzzed with angry comments that the party had been disrespectful by showing the video of the 94-year-old former President looking vacant, grey-skinned and unsmiling.

A spokesman, Jackson Mthembu, denied the governing party was using the occasion as an electioneering tool as it gears up for elections next year.