Madiba vigil continues

There was little activity outside former president Nelson Mandela's house in Houghton in northern Johannesburg on Wednesday as the ailing icon entered his fifth day in hospital.

A small contingent of media has been stationed outside his home since the news of his admission to a Pretoria hospital on Saturday.

A police officer patrolled the street in front of the residence on Wednesday morning.

At around 9.45am a black Mercedes-Benz with dark tinted windows entered the black gates to the house. A while later two cars were seen leaving.

As people drove past the house they slowed down to take a look at all the cars and the media contingent.

A woman got out of her car to read the stones with well wishes left for the former statesman outside the house.

On Saturday, the presidency announced that Mandela had been admitted to hospital in the early hours of the morning and was in a "serious but stable" condition.

His condition has remained unchanged since then.

The presidency said on Tuesday that the doctors treating Mandela had given President Jacob Zuma a thorough briefing on Monday night.

"President Zuma has full confidence in the medical team, and is satisfied that they are doing their best to make Madiba better," spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

Mandela was still in a "serious but stable" condition.

More than 10 outside broadcast vehicles were parked close to one of the entrances at the hospital on Wednesday where Mandela was believed to be admitted.

Security remained tight at the facility, with six police officers manning each entrance. All cars entering the facility were searched.

Family members have been seen arriving at the hospital over the past two days.

On Tuesday, Mandela's ex-wife, African National Congress MP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, left the hospital before 6pm.

She and her daughter Zindzi were driven off in a black Audi, escorted by a white Mercedes Benz. Both cars had flashing blue police lights.

Mandela's two other daughters, Makaziwe and Zenani, who is South Africa's ambassador to Argentina, were also seen at the hospital on Tuesday.

His wife Graca Machel has reportedly been at his bed-side since his admission.

This is the third time this year the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been hospitalised.

At the end of March and in April, he spent nine days in hospital receiving treatment for recurring lung problems.

Earlier in March, he was admitted to a Pretoria hospital for a scheduled check-up and was discharged the following day.