Nelson Mandela

Mandela's health 'steadily improving'

18 July 2013

Nelson Mandela's condition is "steadily improving", the Presidency said on Thursday as South Africa's former president turned 95 and people across the country geared up to give 67 minutes of their time on Nelson Mandela International Day.

"Madiba remains in hospital in Pretoria, but his doctors have confirmed that his health is steadily improving," the Presidency said in a statement.

Mandela has been in a critical but stable condition in the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, where he was first admitted on 8 June with a recurring lung infection.

Members of the public have been visiting the hospital daily to drop off cards, flowers and decorations wishing the former statesmen well.

"On behalf of government and all the people of South Africa, we wish Madiba a joyous 95th birthday," President Jacob Zuma said, adding: "We are proud to call this international icon our own as South Africans and wish him good health.

"We thank all our people for supporting Madiba throughout the hospitalisation with undying love and compassion. We also thank all for responding to the call to give Madiba the biggest birthday celebration ever this year", Zuma said.

Learners from schools across the country held a special assembly and sang a special Happy Birthday song to Madiba at 8am on Thursday, with radio and television stations playing the Happy Birthday song at the same time.

SAinfo reporter

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