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FRAIL former South African president Nelson Mandela has been taken to hospital in a "serious but stable condition". The 94-year-old anti-apartheid icon has his family at his bedside after suffering a recurrence of a lung condition. A government spokesman told a South African news channel today his situation was "serious this time". South Africa's first black president has been ill for several days but he is said to be conscious and breathing on his own. Spokesman Mac Maharaj said: �During the past few days former President Nelson Mandela has had a recurrence of a lung infection. �At about 1.30am his condition deteriorated and he was transferred to a Pretoria hospital. He remains in a serious but stable condition. �The former president is receiving expert medical care and doctors are doing everything possible to make him better and comfortable. �President Jacob Zuma, on behalf of the government and the nation, wishes Madiba (his Xhosa tribal name) a speedy recovery.� The anti-apartheid fighter became president in South Africa�s all-race elections in 1994. His health has been failing in recent years. Mr Maharaj said Mandela first developed his lung condition many years ago when he was incarcerated in prison and that he needs treatment from time to time. Mandela is admitted to hospital �as necessary� to give him the best opportunity to recover. Mr Maharaj added: �He has been in good spirits. He is a fighter and he will be with us as long as he is there fighting.� Prime Minister David Cameron gave his support to Mandela on Twitter. He wrote: �My thoughts are with Nelson Mandela, who is in hospital in South Africa.�