Zuma -- who has 21 children -- embraces his culture, said Mac Maharaj, a government spokesman.

CNN: South African president marries fourth wife

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said 94-year-old Mandela went in the afternoon for tests "to manage existing conditions in line with his age" at a hospital in Pretoria, the capital.

NPR: South Africa: Mandela In Hospital For Tests

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj, a prisoner on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela in the 1960s and 70s, said on Saturday that Mr Mandela had been admitted to hospital "due to a recurrence of pneumonia".

BBC: Nelson Mandela health condition improves - SA presidency

"The employment of members of (South Africa's military) to CAR is one of the efforts that South Africa is making to bring about peace and stability in the region, " said the South African statement, which was released through government spokesman Mac Maharaj.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS