Ageless warrior Nelson Mandela has suddenly bounced back at a time many were expecting to hear the news of his death. South African President Jacob Zuma said in a statement today that he was informed by Nelson Mandela’s medical team that Madiba’s condition improved during the course of the night.

“Mandela remains critical but is now stable,” according to a report just broadcast by the official South African Broadcasting Corportation (SABC). Zuma says Madiba is “much better today than what he was last night,” the report added.

The statement comes on the back of the Mandela family having lashed out at the media for their handling of his health condition.

Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe, told SABC that while they appreciate the international interest in Madiba’s wellbeing, they are disappointed with the manner in which the media is covering the matter. She says the media should try and give the family some respect, further saying that the UK government never communicated on a daily basis on Margaret Thatcher as well as giving the gory details her sickness while she was in hospital.

Makaziwe says in the history of the world, she has never seen such details being communicated on a daily basis.

The 94 years old Mandela has been in hospital for the last 20 days and was previously reported to have been placed on life support machine.

•Photo shows Mandela.