Criticism is growing over a video depicting South African President Jacob Zuma and senior government officials visiting a frail and unsmiling Nelson Mandela.

South African state TV attempted to portray the visit as warm and friendly.  But Mandela is seen propped up in a chair and staring straight ahead in his Johannesburg home where he had been recovering from pneumonia.  Mandela appeared to be detached and leery at what was going on around him.  At one point, Zuma tries to hold Mandela's hand, but given Mandela’s lack of response, ends up covering it with his own.

Twitter did not approve.

Some Tweeters said: “Who's the idiot who took a picture of Madiba (Mandela’s nickname) with flash during the visit by ANC officials? Don't they know it hurts his eyes?!”

Another Twitter user: “After everything the man has done for us this is how we treat him. Like an animal at the zoo. Shame on us.”

Another person said: "After months of attacking media for “invading" Mandela's privacy, ANC today released an invasive video of a clearly ailing and grim Mandela.”

“SABC claims Mandela looks 'relaxed' and 'in good spirits' but the new video contradicts that claim,” wrote another user.

Mandela spent more than a week in hospital being treated for a recurring lung infection identified as pneumonia.  It's the third health scare in four months for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.