President Jacob Zuma Monday described Nelson Mandela's health status as critical but stable and asked his people to prepare for Madiba's birthday, which falls on July 18.
"We remind all South Africans to begin planning for Madiba's birthday on the 18th of July. We must all be able to do something good for humanity on this day, in tribute to our former President'', said President Zuma in a statement.
Mandela was hospitalized in Pretoria earlier last month with lung infection. This is his third hospitalization in the last six months and his condition has been a cause of worry for the whole nation.
In the statement, President Jacob Zuma briefly thanked all South Africans for keeping the ailing former president in their thoughts and prayers.
Nelson Mandela is widely revered for his leading role in South Africa's fight against the white minority rule in the country. He is a popular figure and beloved of his countrymen and news about his worsening condition last month had alarmed the whole nation. Some have even speculated that his death could cause a "Mandela Crisis" affecting the economy of the country.
"The doctors are doing everything possible to get his condition to improve and are ensuring that Madiba is well-looked after and is comfortable. He is in good hands," said Jacob Zuma in an earlier statement, using Mandela's clan name by which he is widely known in the country.
His fellow Nobel Peace Laureates including the U.S. President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama have expressed their respect and prayers for the former South African president. People in Pretoria have been singing and praying in front of the hospital where Mandela is currently hospitalized.
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama met the family of ailing Mandela last week.
Dalai Lama in 2011 tried to visit South Africa to meet the aging former president but because of Beijing's influence, the Tibetan spiritual leader failed to get a visa from the South African government.
"His Holiness (Dalai Lama) is keen to pay respects to his long-time friend Nelson Mandela, provided it doesn't cause any inconvenience to anyone, individuals or the government there," IANS quoted an aide of the Tibetan spiritual leader Monday as saying.
