Mandela continuing to show improvement

Former president Nelson Mandela remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital in Pretoria and continues to show improvement, the presidency said on Tuesday.

   

"President Jacob Zuma has urged the public to continue praying for Madiba and he thanks those who partake in community work to take forward the good work of Madiba," said Zuma's spokesman Mac Maharaj.

   

Mandela has been in the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital since June 8, when he was admitted with a recurring lung infection. He spent his 95th birthday there on July 18.

   

It was quiet outside the hospital on Tuesday, Mandela's 53rd day there. A handful of journalists was stationed at the hospital's entrances.

   

In his statement, Zuma called on the business community to support the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital project.

   

It aimed to build another children's hospital to offer services to children in the Southern African Development Community, in Mandela's honour.

   

"Madiba loves children and wants the best for them. He wants us to ensure that they have a better future," said Zuma.

   

The department of health, civil society, and the academic sector were working together on the project.

   

"The hospital will be one of the most inspiring legacies of this remarkable statesman and leader of our people, and we humbly invite all sectors to actively support this project," said Zuma. 

   

"We also urge the public at large to rally behind this project so that it can come to fruition," he said.

   

-Sapa