Nelson Mandela spending a 3rd day in hospital for ‘further tests’

Nelson Mandela, South Africa's former president, has had his stay in a Pretoria military hospital for unspecified medical tests extended to a third day.

Mandela, 94, "had a good night’s rest. The doctors will still conduct further tests today. He is in good hands," a statement from President Jacob Zuma's office said.

The Associated Press reported that Monday brought no new word on his condition, although government officials had said Mandela, 94, was "comfortable" and receiving medical care "consistent with his age."

South African defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula visited Mandela at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria, and afterward told reporters he is "doing very, very well."

The anti-Apartheid icon — described in a separate AP article as "a secular saint and a father figure to many in South Africa" where he is referred to by his clan name "Madiba"— was flown to the capital on Saturday. 

He lives in Qunu, in the Eastern Cape province.

More from GlobalPost: Nelson Mandela 'comfortable' after night in Pretoria hospital

The Telegraph cited South African Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj as urged South Africans not to panic.

Updates on Mandela's health could only be given once doctors had briefed the presidency, he said.

President Jacob Zuma visited Mandela on Sunday and "found him comfortable, and in good care," the Telegraph wrote.

According to the AP, Mandela's medical care has been supervised by the South African military since 2011, when he was treated for an acute respiratory infection.

The most recent posting on Mandela's Twitter account was time stamped Dec. 10. It read:

"Instead of hatred and revenge we chose reconciliation and nation-building" #NelsonMandela — NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) December 10, 2012

Zuma's visit was marked in a post on Mandela's account:

Today @sapresident Zuma visited #Madiba in a Pretoria hospital, nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/pre… — NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) December 9, 2012

Zuma's office noted that today is the anniversary of Mandela receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, on December 10, 1993, for his contributions to the struggle for liberation, human rights and justice in South Africa.

Special Report from GlobalPost: Mandela's Village: South Africa's road from Qunu