Nelson Mandela is reportedly showing "great resilience" although "at times, his condition becomes unstable," according to a statement from the South African president's office.
"Doctors are still working hard to effect a turnaround and a further improvement in his health and to keep the former president comfortable," the statement added.
The BBC confirmed the assessment coincides with comments from members of Mandela's family who have been visiting him over the past few weeks.
It was the first update in almost two weeks on Mandela's health.
More from GlobalPost: Nelson Mandela's daughter says his health improving by the day
The 95-year-old has been hospitalized for the last two and a half months with a recurring lung infection since he was rushed to the Pretoria Mediclinic Heart Hospital on June 8.
President Jacob Zuma, who is currently in Malaysia, urged his nation to continue praying for "Madiba" and to keep him in their thoughts at all times.
Over the last few months the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has endured a number of health scares.
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