( CNN ) -- The eyes of the world are upon Nelson Mandela , the ailing former South African president and vanguard of human rights who was reported in critical condition Sunday evening . But for daughter Makaziwe Mandela , this is not a global event but a deeply personal and precious time for a daughter with her beloved father . `` All we do every day is take one day at a time and pray to the good Lord , '' Makaziwe told CNN 's Robyn Curnow . She said her father was at peace , and the family hoped for a peaceful transition into the spiritual realm . `` All I pray for as a daughter is that the transition is smooth . ... He is at peace with himself . He has given so much to the world . I believe he is at peace . '' Nelson Mandela reported in critical condition . Some of that peace eludes the family , however , as they deal with the intense media spotlight . `` With all of this media frenzy , the camping in the hospital , you know people talking about things they do n't know or understand basically . Other people want to lecture us on how we should behave , what we should do . `` Really ? It 's our dad . It 's the children 's grandfather . We 've never had him in our life for better part of our years . This is in a sense quality and sacred time for us , and I would expect the world to really back off and leave us alone . `` Nelson Mandela 's blood runs through these veins . Our veins . Give us the space to be with our father . Whether these are the last moments with us to be with our dad or there is still a longer . But they must back off . '' Before it was announced that her father was in critical condition , Makaziwe spoke to his medical condition and state of mind . `` They have n't stopped treating him with all the best medicine in the world . He still opens his eyes ... the touch is there . '' She also addressed how much medical treatment her father should receive . `` In our culture , the Tembu culture , ... you never release the person unless the person has told you : 'Please my children , my family , release me . ' My dad has n't said that to us . `` So these people who want to talk about , you know , release him , he has n't said we should release him and we have n't come to the end yet . It is only God who knows the end . '' Unusual tributes to Nelson Mandela .
Makaziwe Mandela : `` All I pray for as a daughter is that the transition is smooth '' and peaceful. Her spiritual take on her ailing father : `` It is only God who knows the end ''