Image: REUTERS
An assortment of get-well gifts continue to flood into the Medi-clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, where Nelson Mandela is today spending his 12th day.
The presents from well-wishers include a sculpture, self-made cards, balloons and the South African flag.
Since Mandela was admitted in "a serious but stable condition" with a lung infection, close family members have been visiting frequently.
They include his wife, Graça Machel, former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, daughters Makaziwe and Zenani, and grandson Mandla.
A group of well-wishers from the Alpha World Ministries' elderly daycare centre held a brief prayer meeting at the hospital.
"We came to strengthen him," said the centre's director, Maureen Sibadela. "We still need him so much in this country. He fought a good fight and we are here to say that race is not yet over."
On Thursday night, President Jacob Zuma eluded a large contingent of journalists camped outside the hospital to visit Mandela.
The Presidency later released a statement saying Mandela's health "continues to improve but his condition remains serious". This was when journalists learnt of Zuma's visit to the hospital.