Nelson Mandela in lengthiest hospital spell since release from prison The authorities offered another reassuring report on the condition of the 94-year-old, saying that he "has made progress" in overcoming a lung infection and doctors "are satisfied with the way he is responding to treatment." But this has become the longest continuous period Mr Mandela has spent in hospital since 2001, when he underwent seven weeks of radiotherapy after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. In January last year, the former president spent two nights at a Johannesburg hospital, apparently for the same lung condition that is now troubling him. In February, he was hospitalised for one night after complaining of abdominal pain. Mr Mandela's state of health is being closely watched in South Africa and around the world. The government has carefully controlled the flow of information, ensuring that he is cared for in a military hospital and releasing nothing aside from brief daily updates on his condition. President Jacob Zuma is due to unveil a new statue of Mr Mandelain the city of Bloemfontein today. The ruling African National Congress will hold a conference that will include a leadership election. Mr Zuma is expected to be endorsed as the party's leader and its candidate for the presidency in the next national election in 2014. The 26ft statue, donated by a local businessman, will stand in a small nature reserve overlooking the city.