South Africans are closely monitoring daily health news about former President Nelson Mandela, who's being treated at age 94 for pneumonia. Mandela (pronounced MAN-dell-ah) is a widely beloved symbol of his country's peaceful change from a harsh police state controlled by its white minority to a parliamentary republic with a multi-ethnic government. Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years until 1990 for leading opposition to the former system, known as apartheid (racial separation). He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 as was president from 1994-99.

His latest hospitalization is the second in a month. Mandela's frail health and age remind South Africans to prepare for the eventual loss of this revered figure, who remains a unifying symbol. Media reports discuss his lasting impact, as well as the national mourning and elaborate funeral that will follow his death. "South Africa's first black president is the closest thing the republic has to a king," says an article in The Observer newspaper.

Whenever it comes, his passing is expected to unite South Africans across race and economic lines -- a testament to how much the nation has changed. "Mandela is always going to be symbolically powerful because of how he heralded our transition to democracy," says Mbali Ntuli, a 25-year-old black politician. "His legacy still acts as a curb on young people today who might otherwise turn to violent means."

S. African president says: "He continues to respond to treatment and is comfortable." -- Jacob Zuma in statement a few days ago

Grandson says: "We have been blessed as a family to have my grandfather all these years with us. We have cherished every moment and continue to do so." -- Mandla Mandela, oldest grandson and a parliament member

Friend says: "We need to be cautious. Bear in mind his age." -- Mac Maharaj, presidential spokesman and former political prisoner with Mandela