Nelson Mandela remains hospitalized in a critical but stable condition, the office of South Africa's president said Saturday.

South Africa's gold producers said on Friday the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) had served notice of a strike over pay demands starting from the night shift on Tuesday.

A spokesman for a mineworkers' union in South Africa says gold miners will go on strike next week after talks with South Africa's Chamber of Mines collapsed Friday.

South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers said its 90,000 members in the construction industry would go on strike from Monday over demands for higher wages.

The South Africans on Saturday launched twin important events to commemorate the 95-year-old anti- apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, who remains hospitalized in Pretoria.

As Nelson Mandela lies critically ill in a Pretoria hospital, the world is preparing to celebrate his 95th birthday on Thursday, a day declared by the United Nations as a way to recognize the Nobel Prize winner's contribution to reconciliation.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki said on Saturday he is confident that ailing anti- apartheid icon Nelson Mandela will be discharged from hospital following improvement in his health.

A diarrhea outbreak has claimed at least 30 lives in South Africa, authorities said on Monday.

More than 5,000 workers at two platinum mines in South Africa have embarked on a strike, the Anglo America Platinum (Amplats) company announced on Monday.

Nelson Mandela's health improved overnight and although his condition remains critical it is now stable, the South African government said Thursday. One of the former president's daughters said he is still opening his eyes and reacting to the touch of his family even though his situation is precarious.

The ailing 94-year-old former President Nelson Mandela is in a worsening condition in hospital, having no impact on U.S. President Barrack Obama's visit, South Africa's President Jacob Zuma said on Monday. "Mandela remains in a critical condition in hospital, and doctors are doing everything possible to ensure his well-being and comfort," said Zuma in Johannesburg.

The ailing 94-year-old former South African president Nelson Mandela remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital, the Presidency announced on Saturday.

- The South African government on Friday condemned violence in some regions in the world, calling for peaceful resolution to conflicts.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) on Friday started mobilizing all workers "to actively participate" in the planned protests against U.S. President Barack Obama's visit.

The South African government on Friday said U.S. President Barack Obama's upcoming visit is important though some organizations are to launch protests.

The South African government reiterated on Friday that it rejects any calls for regime change in Syria and external military interference or any action not in line with the Charter of the United Nations (UN).

A former South African leader says the health of Nelson Mandela is improving.

The Chinese community in South Africa gathered in Johannesburg and Cape Town on Monday to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Dignity (Victory) Day.

South African President Jacob Zuma on Monday urged Iran to give priority to resolving all outstanding issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"He is doing very well," Nelson Mandela's daughter told reporters on Monday outside the hospital where the noble laureate has been staying for the 10th day.