Mandela said to be serious but recovering

  • 11 years ago
Former South African President Nelson Mandela - in hospital for the last eight days - is reportedly on the mend.

Current President Jacob Zuma says the anti-apartheid hero is continuing to recover from a lung infection, but remains in serious condition.

The news comes amid an outpouring of prayers for the 94-year-old.

Well wishers flooded the lawn outside his Pretoria home with cards and neighbours wished him well.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) HOUGHTON RESIDENT, ALEX ATTO SAYING:

"You know Mandela, being the father of our nation, you know I wish him a wonderful Father's Day. Hopefully his family is with him and I'm sure the whole nation, being his children, will be thinking of him and will be praying for him."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) RESIDENT, VICTOR COLLINS SAYING:

"When we see the sun coming up we pray for him every day. It's just beautiful to be here and to thank him for all he has done for us. God bless him, he's a great man."

On Saturday, Mand