Pretoria – There was little activity outside the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria on Monday, where former president Nelson Mandela is being treated for a recurring lung infection.

The anti-apartheid icon is spending his 38th day in the private hospital since being admitted on 8 June.

Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe Mandela arrived at the Park Street entrance shortly after Surgeon General Aubrey Sedibe.

At the Celliers Street entrance the display of well-wishes on the wall continued to grow. Hand-made cards, balloons, flowers, and flags of different countries covered the wall.

Handful of reporters

Tshwane metro police continued to cordon-off Celliers Street, restricting traffic to residents, hospital visitors, and cars belonging to media. Police at both entry points searched cars entering the hospital premises.

Outside broadcast vehicles remained parked on the Celliers Street pavement, and a handful of reporters were doing live crossings.

On Sunday, it was reported that former president Thabo Mbeki said he believed Mandela would be discharged soon to recuperate at home.

Mbeki reportedly said he knew the ailing elder statesman’s doctors and they were doing an excellent job.

The last update from the presidency said Madiba was responding to treatment and still in a critical but stable condition.

SAPA