In a statement following its regular fortnightly meeting, Cabinet on Thursday wished Mandela a speedy recovery and reassured the nation he was receiving the best medical care.
"Cabinet is pleased that he is responding well to treatment and reiterates the request for the media and the public to respect the privacy of the former president and his family during this period."
Meanwhile, Mandela's daughter Zindzi arrived at the Pretoria hospital on Thursday morning where the ailing former president is spending his sixth day.
She was accompanied by her two children Zoleka and Zondwa. Seven police officers were on duty at the entrance to the MediClinic Heart Hospital searching vehicles coming onto the premises.
A contingent of local and international media has been stationed outside the hospital since Mandela was admitted, and at his Houghton, Johannesburg, home.
Mandela was admitted in the early hours of Saturday morning with a recurring lung infection. The presidency said he was in a "serious but stable" condition.
President Jacob Zuma told MPs on Wednesday that Mandela was responding "better" to treatment.
Welcoming the news
The Democratic Alliance welcomed the news from Cabinet on Thursday.
"We hope that Tata continues to gain strength and we are grateful to his medical team for all that they have done for him," the party said in a statement.
Islamic party Al Jama-Ah called on Muslims to continue making "duah" (supplication or invocation) for Mandela's good health.
"We would like to ask Muslims to continue making duah for his good health, joining millions of our fellow countrymen and countrywomen and people of goodwill all over the world," party leader Ganief Hendricks said in a statement.
The Muslim Judicial Council led a vigil for Mandela at the Owal Mosque in Cape Town.
Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba in an open letter asked everyone to pray for Mandela.
"I invite you to join with me in praying for God's tender merciful hand to be upon our former president Nelson Mandela at this time, and for his love to enfold dear Madiba and all who are close to him," Makgoba said in the letter.
Outside Mandela's house on Thursday, a French tourist said it was moving to see the elder statesperson's house.
"He is a really great man and I think everyone in the world knows Mandela and what he has done," the tourist, who only wanted to be known as Wiem, said.
"His role in history is one you remember and tell your kids about."
She said updates on Mandela's health were big news in France because everyone wanted to know how he was doing.
International tourists
People driving past the home stopped to take photos. Tour guide Pieter Strydom said international tourists had always been interested in seeing where the ailing icon lived.
"Normally on my tour I stop here to show them the house because they can go home and say 'I've been to Nelson Mandela's house'," he said outside the residence.
People continued to leave messages of support outside the home. Drawings of the South African flag were in the flower beds among stones with messages of support written on them.
A card read: "Wishing you a speedy recovery Madiba". – Sapa