"On our first day, we were welcomed by President Mbeki and on the last day, Nelson Mandela visited us, " the Belgian said at a news briefing.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Fifa team wraps up SA visit

At the Financial Mail in Johannesburg I covered economics and edited business stories, and when Nelson Mandela was released, I spent the day in Soweto with the toyi-toying masses.

FORBES: John Koppisch - Connecting the Dots - Archive

Mr Mandela, 94, had a "restful day and continues to receive treatment", a statement from the presidency said.

BBC: Churches hold prayers for ailing Nelson Mandela

Mr Zuma said in a statement that Mr Mandela, 94, was happy to have visitors on Christmas Day.

BBC: Nelson Mandela in good spirits, says Jacob Zuma

In an interview broadcast on Saturday but recorded a day earlier, the ANC's newly elected Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said he believed Mandela was "on the mend".

FORBES: Cyril Ramaphosa

Nelson Mandela is breathing without difficulty, South Africa's presidency has said, as he spends a third day in hospital with a lung infection.

BBC: Nelson Mandela breathing without difficulty - presidency

In recent months, he has become more of a figurehead - handing over day-to-day power to his chosen successor Thabo Mbeki, who is expected to take over as president when Mr Mandela steps down in April next year.

BBC: News | Africa | Mandela turns 80