The former wife of critically ill Nelson Mandela says he is showing "great improvement" compared to a few days ago.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela gave the update on the former president's health today while speaking to media outside Mandela's former home in Soweto.

"I'm not a doctor but I can say that from what he was a few days ago there is great improvement," said Ms Madikizela-Mandela, who is also a member of South Africa's Parliament.

Members of Nelson Mandela's family and South African Cabinet ministers have visited the hospital where the 94-year-old former president is critically ill.

Yesterday, the office of South African President Jacob Zuma said that Mandela's condition was critical but stable.

One of Mr Mandela's daughters, Makaziwe Mandela, was among family members who arrived at the Pretoria hospital today.

The anti-apartheid leader was taken to the hospital on June 8 to be treated for what the government said was a recurring lung infection. South Africans have held prayers nationwide, and many have left flowers and messages of support outside the hospital as well as his home in Johannesburg.

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