Tata going home soon - Zindzi

Nelson Mandela has made "dramatic progress" and may be going home soon, his daughter Zindzi Mandela said yesterday - on the eve of his 95th birthday today.

"I visited him yesterday and he was watching television with headphones [on]," she said in an interview with Sky TV. "He gave us a huge smile and raised his hand ... He responds with his eyes and his hands. I should think he will be going home any time soon."

The latest description of the former president's condition is a significant departure from that in court documents filed by his family earlier this month, when he was said to be on life support and near death.

Mandela has been in a Pretoria hospital since June 8 due to a recurring lung infection and officials have said his condition is critical but stable.

The news of the improvement in his health came on the eve of his 95th birthday today, a day declared by the UNas International Mandela Day in recognition of his contribution to a just society.