Mandela's condition improving in hospital: S. African president File photo taken on April 22, 2009 shows the former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela (C) casting his vote at a polling station during the election in Johannesburg, South Africa. Former South African President Nelson Mandela is in "serious but stable" condition after being taken to a hospital to be treated for a lung infection, the government said Saturday, prompting an outpouring of concern from admirers of a man who helped to end white racist rule. Xinhua/Xu Suhui JOHANNESBURG, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The ailing 94-year-old former South African president Nelson Mandela is responding better to treatment, President Zuma said on Wednesday. "I am happy to report that Mandela's condition is improving from this morning," Zuma said in Cape Town as marking the 49th anniversary of the sentencing of Mandela to life imprisonment in 1964. "We are very happy with the progress that he is now making following a difficult last few days," said the president. Early morning on Saturday Mandela who stayed in his residence in Johannesburg was rushed to a hospital in Pretoria for urgent treatment with the serious lung infection. The Presidency said on Saturday morning, "Mandela remains in a serious but stable condition, and doctors are doing everything possible to make him better." Zuma said the South African government appreciates the messages of support from all over the world, adding "it is an honor for us as South Africans to share Mandela with the international community." "On this crucial historical anniversary, our thoughts are with Mandela," said he. On March 27, he was hospitalized after doctors diagnosed him of having pneumonia. He was also admitted in December for the recurrent lung infection. On Wednesday Zuma said,"We urge South Africans and the international community to continue to keep Mandela in their thoughts and prayers." Mandela International Day to be launched next week JOHANNESBURG, June 11 (Xinhua) -- As South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela is spending his fourth night in a Pretoria hospital on Tuesday, the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory (NMCM) and the United Nations (UN) said they will next week launch the 4th Nelson Mandela International Day. The day of June 19 will mark the official launch of programmes to celebrate Mandela's 95th birthday on July 18. The day endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2009 is celebrated annually and internationally on July 18 to mark Mandela's birthday.Full story Mandela gets best medical care: Zuma CAPE TOWN, June 11 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday that anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela was getting the best medical care although his condition showed no improvement. Appearing on state television, Zuma said he had confidence in Mandela's medical team which was doing its best.Full story