NELSON MANDELA IS “unstable” at times but has shown “great resilience” while being treated in hospital, the South African president has said.

The iconic 95-year-old former leader of South Africa remains in a critical but stable condition and doctors are working to keep him comfortable, according to a statement issued today by the office of president Jacob Zuma.

“While at times his condition becomes unstable, the doctors indicate that the former President has demonstrated great resilience and his condition tends to stabilise as a result of medical interventions,” the statement said.

“Doctors are still working hard to effect a turnaround and a further improvement in his health and to keep the former President comfortable.”

Zuma urged South Africans to continue praying for Madiba – the name by which Mandela is affectionately known – and to keep him in their thoughts.

Zuma is travelling to Malaysia today to accept a lifetime award for global peace on behalf of Mandela.

Mandela was admitted to hospital on 8 June to be treated for a recurring lung infection.

Read: Nelson Mandela showing ‘sustained improvement’ >

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