Johannesburg, Apr 1 (IANS): Former South African president Nelson Mandela continued to receive treatment in hospital four days after re-admission due to the recurrence of his lung infection, the presidency said.

Mandela, 94, was re-admitted to hospital March 28.

"The Presidency has been advised by the doctors that former president Nelson Mandela had a restful day and continues to receive treatment," Xinhua quoted presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj as saying.

"Government is satisfied that the doctors are providing the former president with the best medical care possible to enable his recovery and comfort. They have reported a further improvement in his condition."

President Jacob Zuma thanked thousands of South Africans who prayed for Mandela at various Easter church services during the weekend, Maharaj said.

"We also thank all people at home and around the world, who continue to keep Mandela and his family in their thoughts and to show their love and support in various ways. We also thank foreign governments for their messages of support."

He served as South African president from 1994 to 1999. He spent 27 years in prison before elected the first black president in the country after the end of apartheid.

This was the second time that Mandela was hospitalised in a month. On March 9, Mandela was admitted to a hospital in Pretoria for a scheduled medical check-up to manage existing conditions in line with his age. He was discharged a day later.