Originally published in Sky News
Nelson Mandela continues to recover from a lung infection but his condition is still serious, the South African government has said.
President Jacob Zuma visited the country’s 94-year-old former leader on Thursday evening at the Pretoria hospital where he has been receiving treatment since Saturday.
South Africans and millions around the world have been waiting for news about the condition of the anti-apartheid hero, who is affectionately known by his clan name Madiba.
There are growing fears that after a number of recent health scares, the frail statesman may be nearing the end of his life.
Mr Zuma said: “We continue to appeal to people to keep Madiba in their prayers and wish him a speedy recovery.”
Mr Mandela has been plagued by lung problems since suffering with tuberculosis while serving 27 years in prison.
He walked free in 1990 before becoming South Africa’s first black president four years later