'Fighter' Nelson Mandela breathes on his own

NELSON Mandela spent last night in hospital in a "serious but stable" condition, with a renewed lung infection that has triggered worldwide concern for the South African hero.

Mr Mandela, who turns 95 next month, was whisked to a Pretoria hospital in the early hours of Saturday for his fourth hospital stay in seven months.

"The truth of the matter is a simple one. Madiba is a fighter and, at his age, as long as he is fighting he'll be fine," said presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj, using Mr Mandela's clan name.

Mr Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, was at his bedside after calling off a trip to London.

The anti-apartheid icon was suffering from his second bout of pneumonia since April.

"His condition deteriorated to the point where it was found necessary to hospitalise him," Mr Maharaj said.

"But I am told by the doctors that he is breathing on his own, so I think that is a positive sign."

Mandela 's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela arrives at hospital where he is in serious condition