Nelson Mandela possesses lung infection.

Nelson Mandela's current hospitalization is because of a lung infection, specialists said Tuesday.

Doctors that were treating Mandela and he was responding to treatment, a statement from President Jacob Zuma's office said.

Mandela, 94, was now hospitalized over the weekend in a Pretoria hospital but the nature of his ailment had not been released.

Tuesday's statement said he'd a recurrence of the long gona previous lung infection.

Mandela has not appeared in public places since the 2010 Entire world Cup hosted by Southern region Africa. The former president receives round-the-clock care after abdominal surgery this season and an acute respiratory infection in 2011.

Despite his uncommon appearances, Mandela retains his popularity and it is considered a hero of democracy in the nation.

Just last 30 days, South Africa launched the latest batch of banknotes which has a picture of a smiling Mandela within the front.

The now new 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand banknotes all feature pictures on the global icon.