"We are encouraged that Madiba is responding to treatment and urge the public to continue providing support and showering him with love, which gives him and the family strength," President Jacob Zuma said in a statement on Wednesday.
Zuma visited Mandela in hospital on Wednesday evening.
The elder statesman was spending his 33rd day at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria for treatment of a recurring lung infection. He was admitted on June 8.
Zuma turned up shortly after Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula left the hospital. He left after about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, people continued to flock to the hospital to leave messages of support for Mandela; among them New York University students.
The students are in the country for a month to study education and social reforms. They lit candles near the wall filled with messages and well wishes for Mandela.
Inspired by Mandela
"His influence and what he stands for has touched all of us," said Curtis Outlaw.
He said he was inspired by Mandela and all he had accomplished in his life.
"I look at him as an inspirational individual. From him I have learned that with perseverance, anything can be accomplished," he said.
Crystal Soto said it was very important for them, as social welfare students, to visit the hospital and see what the country had been saying about Madiba.
"As educators, it is also important to study who he is and what he has accomplished as a person," she said.
The students said it was important for them to show respect for the sacrifices Mandela had made, to ensure peace and unity in the country. – Sapa