Nelson Mandela still in 'serious but stable' condition in hospital

Former South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela's condition remained unchanged at "serious but stable", a government spokesman told local radio on Wednesday morning.

Mandela, who is spending his fifth day in hospital for a recurring lung infection, continued to receive close care from doctors, Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj told SAFM radio.

President Jacob Zuma also plans to visit the 94-year-old global statesman, Maharaj said.

"President Zuma will be visiting him as soon as his diary allows," he said.

Mandela was admitted in the early hours of Saturday with a recurring lung infection. The hospital stay is his fourth since December, and there is a growing realisation among South Africa's 53 million people that they will one day have to say goodbye to the father of the "Rainbow Nation" that Mandela tried to forge from the ashes of apartheid.