The former president was admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg yesterday for routine tests. There have been concerns over the elderly statesman's health.

Various family members and top ANC officials have been to the hospital, as well as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Madiba's personal assistant Zelda la Grange and long time family friend Jeff Radebe. Radebe has since left.

This afternoon, Albertina Sisulu arrived in a BMW amid tight security. Presidential protection unit vehicles and sniffer dogs were spotted in the vicinity of the hospital.

Earlier on, an army vehicle was spotted arriving at the hospital, leading to speculation that he might be moved to another hospital. The vehicle has not been seen leaving the premises.

While the ANC has called for South Africans to remain calm, the ANC Youth League has declared their love for the former president and wished him all the best during his hospital stay.

"Nelson Mandela remains our greatest inspiration in everything we do and we are confident that he will stay strong," the Youth League said in a statement.

The league joins the children at McAuley House Primary School, neighbouring the hospital, who posted placards on their wall, saying: "Get well Madiba! We love you Madiba!"

Social networks have also been abuzz with get well messages.

"I pray to God Tata Nelson Mandela makes it, I don't want the day to come. He is an inspiration to us all," wrote a Facebook user. Another wrote: "I send love and strength to Tata ... to the media - let him recuperate in peace please."

Tweeter users also used the platform to express their well wishes. A MphoMaboi wrote: "Madiba needs to rest. He's fought a hard battle for us and still managed to get to 92. That's a huge feat."

While a Khayadlanga wrote : "Truth is Madela will never die, like Biko, Tambo, MLK Jr, Gandhi and other heroes who made the world better ... Our hearts are with the Mandela family"

The ANC and the Presidency have issued separate statements calling for calm and privacy for the family.

"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.

"The media should balance the quest for stories with acting within the bounds of human decency and ensuring the respect for human dignity. The doctors also need to be allowed to do their work without undue pressure," the Presidency said.

They have indicated that South Africans would be informed of any change, including if Mandela were to be discharged from hospital.

Mandela's public appearances have become increasingly rare since his retirement.

His last public outing was at the closing ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg, last year. - BuaNews