Mandela continues to respond positively to treatment: wife

CAPE TOWN, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Ailing former South African President Nelson Mandela "continues to respond positively to treatment," his wife Graca Michel said on Friday.

This made her "less conscious" about Mandela's condition, Graca told the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). "He continues to respond positively to treatment. I would say that today I'm less anxious than I was a week ago," Graca said.

Her upbeat remarks came after President Jacob Zuma repeatedly said Mandela responded to treatment. Zuma gave the updates on Wednesday and Thursday after visiting Mandela for two consecutive days.

But Zuma also said Mandela remained in a critical but stable condition.

Mandela has been hospitalized since June 8 for a recurring lung infection, his longest stay in years.

Zuma said earlier that the country is preparing to celebrate Mandela's 95th birthday on July 18, which is also Nelson Mandela International Day.

All South Africans are urged to volunteer 67 minutes of their time on the day to help change their communities and South Africa for the better. This year's event will take place under the theme of "Take action; inspire change; make every day a Mandela Day" with a focus on food security, shelter and literacy.

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