Nelson Mandela 'in critical but stable condition'

South African president Jacob Zuma said in a statement Tuesday that former president Nelson Mandela, 94, "is still in critical but stable condition" in a hospital in Pretoria where he's been receiving treatment for a lung infection since June 8.

In addition, Zuma thanked the public for their ongoing support and prayers.

“We thank the public for the dignified gatherings outside the hospital. Many groupings and individuals have gathered in dignity, respecting the privacy of Madiba, other patients, their families or the hospital personnel. The prayer services around the country are also appreciated. We thank the international community as well for ongoing messages of support to Madiba and his family.’’

Mandela's grandson Ndaba, denied rumors that South Africa's first black president was in a vegetative state claiming that, "with less than two weeks to go before the old man's 95th birthday on 18 July, it's time to celebrate his life"

"The old man is very much alive -- when I speak to him, he responds," he said.

Mandela is a revolutionary and politician who spent 27 years in jail for his efforts in the fight against white minority rule in South Africa. He was elected as the country's first black president in 1994.