Johannesburg - Neighbours, pedestrians, and motorists continued to stop at former president Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home to leave messages of support on Thursday.
Some brought along children who placed painted stones and messages on the lawn, and also took photos, outside the Houghton home.
Children's hand-drawn pictures of Mandela's face were pinned on trees outside the property. Journalists camped outside along the street, and kept watch on movements at the gates.
A policeman picked up the flower bouquets left outside and took them inside.
Mandela, 94, was admitted to Pretoria's Medic-Clinic Heart Hospital with a recurring lung infection on June 8.
The presidency's announcement mid-afternoon that Mandela's condition had improved during the course of the night eased the tension brought on by no new information earlier.
According to the presidency's statement: “President Jacob Zuma visited former president Nelson Mandela in hospital in Pretoria today, June 27, and was informed by the medical team that Madiba's condition has improved during the course of the night.
“He remains critical, but is now stable,” spokesman Mac Maharaj said. - Sapa