Pretoria - Ailing former president Nelson Mandela was spending a sixth night in the Mediclinic Heart Hospital, in Pretoria, on Friday, for treatment for a recurring lung infection.
Security remained tight at the hospital on Friday night, with police checking all vehicles entering the facility.
Outside, the situation was quieter, with a group of children and locals lingering around the media camped at one of the hospital's two entrances.
Balloons and get-well messages remained on the wall at the hospital gate. "We still need you," read one of them.
Mandela's former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela visited earlier on Friday with her daughter Zindzi. His granddaughter Tukwini and three other relatives also visited.
The presidency has described Mandela's condition as "serious, but stable".
President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by African National Congress treasurer general Zweli Mkhize, visited him on Thursday.
"Madiba's health continues to improve but his condition remains serious," Zuma said in a statement issued afterwards. - Sapa