ASUNCION (AFP) - Nelson Mandela's daughter Zenani Dlamini on Wednesday officially presented her diplomatic credentials to become her country's ambassador to Paraguay, sources said.

With her father in grave health at home, Ms Dlamini, a US-educated businesswoman - and already South Africa's envoy to Argentina - saw her position expanded to represent it as well in Paraguay, next to Argentina.

Ms Dlamini presented her credentials to Foreign Minister Jose Felix Fernandez, diplomats said, noting that Mr Fernandez voiced concern at her father's condition and hailed him as a freedom fighter.

Her father, the 94-year-old anti-apartheid hero, was on life support, unable to breathe on his own, an elder in the South African icon's clan said on Wednesday, all but extinguishing hopes for his recovery.