South African President Zuma visits ailing Mandela

HOUGHTON, South Africa, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- South African President Jacob Zuma visited former President Nelson Mandela Monday at the ailing former leader's home in Houghton, officials said.

Mandela was released from the hospital in early September after three months of treatment for a lung infection, and while he's stable, he's still in critical condition and receiving round-the-clock care from 22 physicians in his home.

"President Zuma conveyed the well-wishes of all South Africans and those of the peoples of the world to the Mandela family, and assured them that nations are united in their thoughts and prayers for him," a statement from the presidency said.

"In addition, President Zuma expressed the good wishes of the leaders of the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting from which he returned last night," the statement continued.

Zuma presented Mandela with the Lifetime Award for Global Peace from the Mahathir Global Peace Foundation, which Zuma accepted on Mandela's behalf in Malaysia, the South African Government News Agency reported.