South Africans celebrate Mandela’s 95th birthday outside hospital

People celebrate Mandela’s 95th birthday outside the hospital where he is treated in Pretoria, South Africa, on July 18, 2013. South African former president Mandela is steadily improving, according to the Presidency website update released on Thursday.

“Madiba remains in hospital in Pretoria but his doctors have confirmed that his health is steadily improving,” said the statement. President Jacob Zuma wished the founding father of the nation a happy 95th birthday. <Xinhua/NEWSis/Li Qihua>

Well-wishers carry a large banner of Nelson Mandela as they march up and down outside the gates of the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where former South African President Nelson Mandela is being treated in Pretoria, South Africa Thursday, July 18, 2013. <AP Photo/NEWSis/Ben Curtis>

A fan displays a birthday wish for former South African president Nelson Mandela at a soccer match between visiting Manchester City and AmaZulu in Durban, South Africa, Thursday, July 18, 2013.

Ama Zulu beat Manchester City 2-1 with an 89th-minute penalty. City’s second game was organized to coincide with Mandela’s 95th birthday. <AP Photo/NEWSis>