Former South African president Nelson Mandela.

94-year-old Mandela spent his fifth day in hospital on Wednesday after he fell ill with a lung infection.

The South African government said that he is responding to treatment.

On the streets, ordinary South Africans crossed their fingers for his recovery.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL RESIDENT MANTSHO PHENGO SAYING:

"Get well soon TATA (Mandela) we miss you and your are our hero, and we wish you a speedy recovery".

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL RESIDENT MIKE THEKISO SAYING:

"I can only, but say that we wish him very well and we wish him speedy recovery we would like to see him back at home, and we trust and hope that the God almighty will keep him and sustain him further and beyond this year".

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL RESIDENT PRUDENCE MASHABA SAYING:

"His life is in God's hands whatever happens it will be God's will."

Mandela was South Africa's first black president and endures as a global symbol of resistance to racism and injustice.