Former South African president Nelson Mandela, who is 94, is looking much better after more than two weeks in hospital, president Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday.
Zuma, who visited the anti-apartheid hero on Christmas Day, said in a statement that doctors were happy with the progress he is making.
“We found him in good spirits. He was happy to have visitors on this special day and is looking much better,” said Zuma.
Former president Mandela has been in hospital since December 8. President Zuma thanked the public for the good wishes and prayers since Madiba was admitted to hospital.
"The Mandela family truly appreciates all the support they are receiving from the public. That is what keeps them going at this difficult time," said Zuma.
The Nobel Peace laureate was admitted into a hospital in Pretoria for routine tests and then undergoing surgery to remove gallstones.
Zuma, who has just been re-elected as president of the ruling African National Congress party, last week described Mandela’s condition as serious. Periodic statements from the presidency continue to stress that the veteran politician is responding to treatment.
No date has been given for his release from hospital.
Mandela, who is internationally admired for his struggle against minority white rule, retired from public life in 2004 after serving one term as South Africa’s first black president.
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