"President Jacob Zuma visited former president Nelson Mandela in hospital in Pretoria today and was informed by the medical team that Madiba's condition has improved during the course of the night. He remains critical but is now stable," presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said, reported Xinhua.

"I cancelled my visit to Mozambique today so that I could see him and confer with the doctors. He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night. The medical team continues to do a sterling job," Zuma was quoted as saying.