'Improving' Mandela marks 95th birthday in hospital
PRETORIA, Gauteng, July 18, 2013 (AFP) - Nelson Mandela spent his 95th birthday in hospital Thursday but his health was “steadily improving”, South Africa's presidency said, as people around the world honoured his legacy with charitable acts.
Six weeks after he was admitted to hospital with a recurring lung infection, South Africans breathed a sigh of relief to learn that their national hero was getting better as they carried out good deeds to mark international Nelson Mandela Day.
“Madiba remains in hospital in Pretoria but his doctors have confirmed that his health is steadily improving,” the presidency said in a statement, using Mandela's clan name.
Ndileka Mandela told AFP her grandfather was now more responsive. “He's using his eyes, nodding,” she said.
The updates prompted joyful prayers of thanks outside Mandela's hospital which, for 41 days, has been the focal point of a national vigil.
“Tata (father) Mandela has once again proved that he is a fighter,” said well-wisher Agnes Shilowane, a local university student.
Nearby, school children read poems and left cards as nurses sang happy birthday to the former political prisoner who went on to become South Africa's first black president.
“Mandela's place in South Africa's history is assured,” former president De Klerk said in a statement.
“His legacy of courage, perseverance and magnanimity will continue to inspire us -- and people throughout the world -- for generations to come.”