Johannesburg, Jul 12 (IANS): Former South African president Nelson Mandela is in good health, incumbent Jacob Zuma said after paying a visit to Mandela's rural home in Qunu village in Eastern Cape province.

Zuma's visit comes before Mandela turns 94 July 18, Xinhua reported.

Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj said Zuma and Mandela had lunch together.

"It was a delight to see him as always. I was particularly happy that I had an opportunity to give him good wishes for his upcoming birthday," Zuma said in a statement.

"I also informed him that as usual, all South Africans are waiting for the 18th, preparing to wish him a happy birthday in every possible way," Zuma added.

Zuma took the opportunity to brief Mandela about the construction of the Nelson Mandela Legacy Bridge, being built in his honour at a cost of over $15 million. The bridge will connect Mandela's village with many places in the province.

Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years during the apartheid, was elected the country's first black president in 1994.