South Africa prays for Mandela recovery

With beloved former president Nelson Mandela in the hospital, South Africans are hoping for a speedy recovery.

The 93-year-old was hospitalized Saturday for abdominal pains.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SOWETO RESIDENT, RONNY ZONDI, SAYING:

"Basically we wish him well, understanding his age as well and we got to accept at some time in point he might not be with us for long but we wish that God could keep him longer and basically serve his peoples."

Although Mandela's location has not been confirmed, journalists are camping outside a Pretoria military hospital where sitting and former presidents are looked after.

Cape Town residents also wished Mandela well.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEIL PARKER, CAPE TOWN RESIDENT, SAYING:

"Well, he was the first democratic President, the best we ever had and will have and I hope he gets well soon and I think everybody's prayers are with him."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MARGIE ADAMS, CAPE TOWN RESIDENT, SAYING:

"He's such a wonderful man and I am sure the whole of South Africa is really worried about him. I just wish him well and give him strength and we want him for a lot more many years."

Newspaper headlines reiterated President Jacob Zuma's statement that Mandela is comfortable and not in danger.

Mandela is expected to be discharged Sunday or Monday.

Lindsey Parietti, Reuters