--Nelson Mandela much better today - Jacob Zuma--

 

South African President Jacob Zuma says that Nelson Mandela's condition has improved, but still remains critical.

"He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night," Mr Zuma said after speaking to the 94-year-old's medical team.

South Africa's first black president - an icon of the anti-apartheid struggle - has been in hospital in Pretoria since 8 June with a lung infection.

Mr Zuma cancelled a visit to Mozambique to visit Mr Mandela in hospital.

Meanwhile Mr Mandela's daughter Makaziwe said he was "still there" and responding to touch.
Emotional crowds have gathered outside the hospital, adding messages of support for Mr Mandela, known by his clan name Madiba.

Children released 94 balloons - one for every year of the ex-president's life - into the air in his honour.

~ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23085736