Mandela 'responding well' to treatment: government

South Africa's government said on Thursday that Nelson Mandela was "responding well to treatment" on his sixth day in hospital for a lung infection.

In a statement, members of the cabinet wished the revered anti-apartheid icon a quick recovery and said they were "pleased that he is responding well to treatment".

The 94-year-old Nobel peace laureate was admitted almost a week ago for a pulmonary condition that has plagued him for years.

On Wednesday President Jacob Zuma had told the country that after "a difficult last few days" Mandela was "responding better."

This is Mandela's fourth hospitalisation since December for a pulmonary condition that has plagued him for years.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison during white racist rule, walking free in 1990 before becoming South Africa's first black president four years later.

His latest health scare has led to a growing acceptance that Mandela, who turns 95 in July, may be nearing the end of his life.