Nelson Mandela's wife thanks well-wishers

The wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela said today that love and generosity from across the world have brought comfort and hope during the 94-year-old's latest spell in hospital.

Mr Mandela is spending his 10th day in a hospital in Pretoria, being treated for a recurring lung infection.

President Jacob Zuma said yesterday that Mr Mandela remains in a serious condition but that his doctors are seeing sustained improvements. He added that Mr Mandela is engaging with family during visits.

In a written message today, Graca Machel, Mr Mandela's wife, expressed the family's gratitude for messages of support, in particular from children singing outside the Mandela home.

The leader of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, Mr Mandela spent 27 years in prison during white racist rule. He was freed in 1990 and became South Africa's first black president in 1994.

AP