Nelson Mandela ‘in serious but stable condition’

Former South African president Nelson Mandela is still in hospital and his condition remains serious but stable, according to the government.

International media today also revealed that the ambulance that took the anti-apartheid hero to hospital broke down on its way to the hospital. According to reports, he was stranded for 40 minutes.

A government's spokesperson however reassured that "no harm came to Madiba" as a result.

Madiba is Mandela's clan name and is used as a term of affection.

Mandela, who became South Africa's first black president in 1994, was rushed to a Pretoria hospital early on June 8 with a recurring respiratory infection.

Mandela's history of lung problems dates back to his time at Robben Island prison near Cape Town. He was released in 1990 after 27 years and went on to serve as president from 1994 to 1999.

His hospitalization is the fourth since December.