Thabo Mbeki says Mandela may be released from hospital soon

Former South African president Thabo Mbeki, speaking at a memorial service on Saturday, has predicted Nelson Mandela may soon be discharged from hospital.

Mandela, known to many across the nation by his tribe name, Madibo, has been in hospital for five weeks.

During his time in hospital a bitter feud has broken out between Mandela's extended family. The recriminations have even seen the bodies of two of his children exhumed.

Reports suggest that Mandela has been on life support, with the most recent update saying the former South African leader was in a critical but stable condition.

Mandela turns 95 on Thursday.