Former chief justice Pius Langa is doing well and resting in hospital, his brother Mandla Langa said.
"We have been inundated with calls and inquiries about his condition and want to assure all concerned that he is stronger, bearing well and resting," he said in a statement.
Langa was admitted to a Durban hospital this week.
He retired in 2009 and later chaired the Press Freedom Commission which looked into the regulation of South Africa's print media.
The 74-year-old's most recent public appearance was at a ceremonial Constitutional Court session in honour of chief justice Arthur Chaskalson in February.