South Africa’s revered former President Nelson Mandela’s hospital stay stretched into a second day yesterday, as the nation grew increasingly concerned for the anti-apartheid hero’s health.

The news that Madiba – the clan name by which the 92-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner is affectionately known, and the country’s first elected black leader – remained under medical supervision has put the nation on edge.

Current President Jacob Zuma called for calm as the nation awaited updates on Mandela’s condition amid a virtual news blackout since he was admitted for “routine tests” on Wednesday.

“President Mandela is comfortable and is well-looked after by a good team of medical specialists,” Mr Zuma said in a statement from Davos, where he is attending the World Economic Forum.

“We urge the media to afford him the dignity and respect that he is entitled to as the country’s founding democratic president, as a national hero and also as a citizen of the republic.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who described Mr Mandela as frail after meeting him last week, said yesterday that Madiba remained in “amazing” condition for his age, but did not comment specifically on his hospitalisation.

“What more do we want from him? We want him to remain forever, but you know... anything can happen,” Archbishop Tutu, a leading figure during the anti-apartheid struggle, said.

The ruling African National Congress party earlier urged people to refrain from speculation.