Pretoria – Well-wishers on Friday morning left several messages at the main entrance of the Pretoria hospital where former president Nelson Mandela is spending his seventh day.

Colourful get-well-soon messages were printed on large pages and cards attached to the hospital’s wall next to the security checkpoint.

Some of the messages read: “You are a fighter, I know you will make it.”

Several rose and heart designs were attached to the message.

A message from Isagoentle Geranyane read: “We need you Tata Madiba”, and from Emedi Morule the card read: “Get well soon Tata”.

A blue balloon was hanging near the entrance with the message: “Speedy recovery, the legend.”

‘Serious but stable’

Mandela was hospitalised in the early hours of Saturday morning with a recurring lung infection. The presidency said he was in a “serious but stable” condition.

President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by African National Congress treasurer general Zweli Mkhize, visited the ailing icon on Thursday.

“Madiba’s health continues to improve but his condition remains serious,” Zuma said.

“We continue to appeal to people to keep Madiba in their prayers and wish him a speedy recovery.”

Security at the hospital remained tight on Friday, with several police officers searching all vehicles entering the facility’s two entrances.

A media scrum of local and international reporters and broadcasters has been stationed outside the hospital since Mandela was admitted on Saturday.

Passers-by briefly stopped at the entrance to the hospital and read the messages of support.

There were also traces of blue and white candle wax, from a night vigil held at the entrance on Celliers Street.

The elder statesman’s family members have been spotted at the hospital several times over the past six days.

– Are you there? Send us your photos.

– SAPA