Former South African president Nelson Mandela’s condition has improved, although he remains critically ill, the government has announced.

Nelson Mandela’s health has deteriorated and he is in critical condition, the South African government said.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela remains in hospital for a fifth day after being admitted on Sunday for a recurring lung infection.

Nelson Mandela has been taken to a hospital because of a lung infection, according to the office of South Africa’s president.

Nelson Mandela was back home yesterday after spending a night in hospital for a “scheduled medical check-up”, the president’s office said.