South Africa's first black President and global icon of the struggle against Apartheid, Nelson Mandela, has been hospitalized Saturday with a recurring lung infection.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN, MAC MAHARAJ, SAYING:

"His condition deteriorated to the point where it was found necessary to hospitalise him. He is in a hospital in Pretoria now. The doctors report as at this morning that his condition is serious but he is stable."

Mandela has suffered respiratory problems ever since he contracted tuberculoses at the notorious Robben Island prison camp near Cape Town.

Mandela served nearly three decades behind bars for conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government.

Widely seen as a unifying figure, Mandela enjoys popularity across South Africa.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURIST IN SOWETO, INNOCENT MAGODZE, SAYING:

"Get well soon Papa Madiba, we want you to be well very soon, we miss you."

(SOUNDBITE)(English) TOURIST IN SOWETO