Former South African President Nelson Mandela is back in hospital.

A government spokesman confirms that the 94-year old former leader has been admitted with a recurrence of a lung infection.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENCY SPOKESPERSON MAC MAHARAJ SAYING:

"The doctors are attending to him and ensuring that he receives the best possible expert medical treatment and is kept comfortable. President Zuma has wished Madiba a speedy recovery and appeals to the people of South Africa and the world to pray for our beloved Madiba and his family and to keep them in their thoughts."

Mandela remains a hero to many of South Africa's 52 million people and his brief stretches in hospital in the last few years have made front page news.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRETORIA RESIDENT,PERFECT THABO MAPHOSA , SAYING:

"Madiba, you have done so much into our government, into us, now we are getting free education, we are learning for free, it is because you, it's because of your