Nelson Mandela “In Good Spirits” During Recovery

Doctors say the 94-year-old icon is "making steady progress."
                               

South African officials announced former President Nelson Mandela was in “good spirits” during his second day in the hospital where he is being treated for a recurring lung infection.

A statement issued by the office of current South African President Jacob Zuma reports that the 94-year-old icon was in “good spirits” Friday morning and was “making steady progress.”

This most recent hospital visit is Mandela’s third since December when he was admitted for three weeks while being treated for a lung infection and gallstone removal.

“[Mandela] remains under treatment and observation in hospital,” the statement read. “We would like to repeat our appeal for the media and the public to respect the privacy of Madiba and his family.”

President Obama sent well wishes to Mandela Thursday, confident that the ailing leader will pull through.

"We will be keeping him in our thoughts and prayers,” Obama said after meeting with African leaders on Thursday.

"He is as strong physically as he's been in character and in leadership over so many decades. We all recognize that he has given everything to his people, the people of South Africa, and to the people of the continent."