Nelson Mandela is responding to treatment in hospital following a "difficult few days", says South African president Jacob Zuma.
Mr. Zuma told parliament that he was happy with the progress being made by the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader, who is suffering from a lung infection.
"I am happy to report that Madiba is responding better to treatment from this morning," Mr. Zuma said at a budget hearing, using the icon's clan name.
Mr. Zuma, speaking 49 years after Mandela was sentenced to life in prison, paid tribute to his predecessor and the others who were imprisoned that day as heroes of South African democracy.
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Mandela is spending a 5th day in a Pretoria hospital where he is receiving treatment for a recurring infection.
Image: UN Photo/G Kinch
