Zuma thanks Christians for prayers for ailing Madiba

Originally published allAfrica.com

Former president Nelson Mandela was still in hospital receiving treatment for a lung infection, the South African Press Assocation (Sapa) reported on Tuesday morning.

Mandela, who turned 94 in July, was admitted to an undisclosed hospital on Wednesday with a recurrence of a respiratory infection that saw him undergoing hospital treatment in January 2011 and again in December 2012.

The Presidency said in a statement on Sunday that Mandela was receiving “the best medical care possible to enable his recovery and comfort,” adding that his doctors “have reported a further improvement in his condition”.

In an update on Monday, the Presidency said his condition remained unchanged.

President Jacob Zuma “thanks the thousands of South Africans who prayed for Madiba at various Easter church services during the weekend,” the Presidency said.

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“We also thank all people at home and around the world, who continue to keep Madiba and his family in their thoughts and to show their love and support in various ways. We also thank foreign governments for their messages of support.”

Zuma also acknowledged a special message from the African Union wishing Mandela well.

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According to the Presidency, Mandela spent part of Monday’s public holiday – Family Day in South Africa – “with some members of his family, who appreciate the support they have been receiving from the public”.