Former South African President Nelson Mandela’s health has improved but he remains in a critical condition, the Presidency said yesterday. "President Jacob Zuma visited Mandela in hospital in Pretoria and was informed by the medical team that Madiba’s condition has improved during the course of the night. He remains critical but is now stable,” presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said. "I cancelled my visit to Mozambique today so that I could see him and confer with the doctors. He is much better today than he was when I saw him last night. The medical team continues to do a sterling job,” Zuma was quoted as saying. "We must pray for Tata’s health and wish him well. We must also continue with our work and daily activities while Madiba remains hospitalised.” The Presidency expressed dismay at rumours being spread about Mandela’s health and appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of Mandela . A member of Mandela’s family confirmed that he was on life support. Traditional leader and African National Congress MP Phathekile Holomisa said in remarks published by Eyewitness News yesterday that the Mandela family are hoping for a miracle to help the much-loved former president.