Mandela gaining strength every day: grandson

JOHANNESBURG, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Ailing former President Nelson Mandela is gaining strength every day, his grandson Mandla said on Monday.

Mandela will have his life support machines switched off, Mandla said in a statement after visiting his grandfather over the weekend.

The improvement in Mandela's health is encouraging, Mandla said, adding that his grandfather continues to prove he has a fighting spirit.

Mandela turned 95 on July 18. President Jacob Zuma said at the time that Mandela "is responding to treatment" and his health "is steadily improving" from a recurring lung infection, although he remained in a critical but stable condition.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki said on the day that he was confident of Mandela's recovery.

Mandela's elder daughter Zindzi was even more optimistic about Mandela's heath. She said last week that her father was making "dramatic" progress and "might be going home soon."

Since July 18, there has been no update on Mandela's condition from the government.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was rushed to a Pretoria hospital on June 8 after his condition deteriorated. This is his fourth and also the longest hospital stay since December last year.

We Recommend:
Dachshunds attend annual Wiener Dog Racing	Collective gay wedding held in Mexico City	Best photos of week (July 8 - July 14)
'Temple Collection' on display in India	Bastille Day military parade held in Paris	Indian new recruits attend passiong out parade
Anti-government protest held in Thailand	Mexico's Popocatepetl Volcano spews ashes	Egypt unrest continues in Cairo