Nelson Mandela is "steadily improving," the South African government said Thursday, as the former president marked his 95th birthday in a Pretoria hospital, dpa reported. South Africans gathered outside the hospital from the early morning to sing songs, leave cards and lay wreaths outside the hospital. The crowds continued to arrive throughout the day. Similar events took place across the country. President Jacob Zuma briefly visited the hospital before rushing to a meeting with EU officials. Zuma said he was "encouraged" by Mandela's progress, although the anti-apartheid leader remained in critical condition.
