Nelson Mandela became South Africa's first black president in 1994 after leading the struggle against white minority. Mr Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years for his role in the fight against apartheid and is believed to have suffered damage to his lungs while working in a prison quarry.

Unfortunately the 94 year old Mandela is spending his sixth day in the Pretoria hospital suffering from a recurrent lung infection.

According to the current President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, "Mandela's "health continues to improve but his condition remains serious".

A statement regarding President Mandela's health was released and stated, "Mr Mandela's failing health is an intensely personal issue for many of those now involved in the distressing task of managing the flow of information from a Pretoria hospital bed, to a waiting world"

Mr Mandela has been in intensive care since he was taken to hospital on Saturday for the third time this year.

Before being admitted to hospital, he had been ill for some days at his Johannesburg home, with a recurrence of his long-standing lung problems, the president's office said on Tuesday.

In December, he spent 18 days undergoing treatment for a lung infection and gallstones.

Earlier, Mr Mandela's grandson and family heir, Mandla, said the family had "been deeply touched" by the concern shown for Mr Mandela's health.