Mandela much better today

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.

Nelson Mandela: Key dates

• 1918 Born in the Eastern Cape
• 1944 Joins African National Congress
• 1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped
• 1962 Arrested, convicted of sabotage, sentenced to five years in prison
• 1964 Charged again, sentenced to life
• 1990 Freed from prison
• 1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize
• 1994 Elected first black president
• 1999 Steps down as leader

  -bbc