JOHANNESBURG (REUTERS) - Former South African President Nelson Mandela is comfortable and able to breathe without problems as he continues to repond to treatment after spending a third night in hospital for a lung infection, President Jacob Zuma's office said on Saturday.

"Madiba is now able to breathe without difficulty. He continues to respond to treatment and is comfortable," the presidency said in a statement.

Madiba is Mr Mandela's clan name, widely used by South Africans to refer to the 94-year-old anti-apartheid legend.