Mandela's Condition Still 'Serious But Stable'

Nelson Mandela's condition in hospital remains unchanged, with doctors describing it as "serious but stable".

The former South African president and anti-apartheid hero is being treated for a lung infection.

Mr Mandela, 94, was admitted to a Pretoria hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

It is his fourth hospital stay since December. He spent 10 days in hospital between March and April to receive treatment for pneumonia.

"President Jacob Zuma reiterates his call for South Africa to pray for Madiba and the family during this time," the government said.

Mr Mandela has not been seen in public since 2010 but remains a towering symbol in South African public life.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu said on Monday: "We offer our thanks to God for the extraordinary gift of Nelson Mandela and wish his family strength, and we send our blessings to doctors and nurses responsible for his care."

On Sunday members of Mandela's family were seen visiting the hospital where he is believed to be staying.

Mr Mandela has a history of lung problems dating from when he contracted tuberculosis as a political prisoner.

He spent 27 years on Robben Island and in other jails for his attempts to overthrow the white-minority government.

After becoming South Africa's first black president in 1994, he stepped down five years later and has not been politically active for a decade.

His last major public appearance was at the final of the Fifa World Cup at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg in July 2010.