Mandela 'steadily improving' as his 95th birthday is celebrated

As the South African nation celebrates Nelson Mandela's 95th birthday today, President Jacob Zuma has paid tribute to the former president whose health is "steadily improving", according to doctors.

Mandela, or 'Madiba' (his Xhosa clan name) as he is affectionately known by South Africans, remains in hospital undergoing care and treatment for a recurring lung infection. His condition had been described as critical but stable, though his daughter, Zindzi has spoken of his "remarkable progress".

Mr Mandela's birthday was declared by the UN to be 'Nelson Mandela International Day', in recognition of the Nobel Prize winner's contribution to peace and reconciliation. Events marking the occasion are taking place around the world, while South Africans are being asked to contribute 67 minutes of their time to charitable acts to mark their former leader's 67 years of public service.

President Zuma said:

“On behalf of government and all the people of South Africa, we wish Madiba a joyous 95th birthday. We are proud to call this international icon our own as South Africans and wish him good health. We thank all our people for supporting Madiba throughout the hospitalisation with undying love and compassion. We also thank all for responding to the call to give Madiba the biggest birthday celebration ever this year,” said President Zuma.