Much-loved former South African President Nelson Mandela is now on life support in Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa.

The former president was admitted to hospital on the June 8.

Sitting President Jacob Zuma thanks the South African public for ongoing support and understanding.

"We must support him and support his family. We must demonstrate our love and appreciation for his leadership during the struggle for liberation and in our first few years of freedom and democracy by living out his legacy and promoting unity, non-racialism, non-sexism and prosperity in our country," said President Zuma.

Former President Mandela will turn 95 on July 18.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the hospital’s fence has become a tribute wall strung with posters and cards made by local school children. Last night, an artist brought an easel and paints and painted a portrait of Mandela outside the hospital. A group of pre-school children came to sing and dance.

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in a South African jail as a political prisoner, struggling to end the racist regime of apartheid in his country.