Members of Nelson Mandela's family braved the media encampment outside the Pretoria hospital where he is being treated (although the location has yet to be officially confirmed) to gather messages of support that have been posted outside a vehicle entrance.

Madiba is "doing very well", his daughter Zenani said during the brief outing.

Cameramen from outlets that have had crews stationed outside the hospital since Mandela was admitted – with very little to show for their efforts – scrambled for pictures as the group viewed the messages of support.

The group gathered several of the brightly-coloured cards and placards, many left by children, before re-entering the hospital.

The collage, featuring South African flags and clusters of balloons, was little-depleted, and a small group of children arrived soon after to add their well-wishes to the collection.

Mandela's wife Graça Machel on Monday morning issued a statement in which she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support for Mandela, but provided no details on his state of health.

"So much love and generosity from South Africans, Africans across the continent, and thousands more from across the world, have come our way to lighten the burden of anxiety, bringing us love, comfort and hope," Machel said.

Family members have made it a habit to visit the facility early every afternoon, but are invariably driven straight past the media. Monday marked the first time any braved the cameras, or made a statement.

That break from routine renewed rumours – unconfirmed and seemingly based on very little actual information – that Mandela has turned the corner and could be discharged some time this week. Medical experts not involved in Mandela's treatment said it would not be unreasonable to expect that his treatment could have run its course, but cautioned against making assumptions.