FORMER president Nelson Mandela's wife Graça Machel last night assured South Africans that Madiba was getting better.

She said doctors were keeping him in hospital to ensure that he was fully recovered before he was discharged.

"Madiba is fine," Machel said. "I want to thank all the people of South Africa, Africa and the world for praying for Tata."

Machel made the assurance after receiving the Fethullah Gulen Peace and Dialogue Award during the sixth annual Ubuntu Lecture and Dialogue Awards ceremony that was held in Sandton, Johannesburg, last night.

The awards were organised by the Turquoise Harmony Institute.

The award is bestowed upon outstanding individuals or organisations that are seen to have made noteworthy contributions to dialogue, peace and harmony in the society.

The other recipients of the award on the night were Free State University vice-chancellor Professor Jonathan Jansen, Gauteng education MEC Barbara Creecy, fine arts guru James Webb, Shout SA, the Olympic-winning national Rowing Team, and the South African National Editors Forum.

Earlier in the day, President Jacob Zuma had visited Mandela. He also confirmed that the elderly statesman was responding well to treatment.

On his visit, Zuma also met both Mandela's doctors and his family members.

On Tuesday, the ANC expressed "shock and outrage" when it learnt that a DStv channel had broadcast Mandela's "obituary".

MultiChoice has since apologised for the error. - Additional reporting by Moipone Malefane