South Africa's last apartheid president FW de Klerk will cut short a visit to Europe on Saturday because of the ailing health of his co-Nobel prize-winner Nelson Mandela, his foundation said on Saturday.

"Mr FW de Klerk and his wife Elita have decided to suspend their current working visit and holiday in Europe because of Mr Mandela's medical condition," the FW de Klerk Foundation said in a statement.

Meanwhile, President Jacob Zuma hoped that all the prayers for former president Nelson Mandela would help his recovery.

"We're hoping that it [Mandela's health] is going to improve," Zuma said at a press briefing in Pretoria on Saturday. He was speaking during at a media briefing with US President Barack Obama.

"I think with all the prayers and good wishes that are being made, certainly it would do something."

Zuma reiterated that Mandela remained in a critical but stable condition. Doctors attending to Madiba were doing everything they could for him, he said.

"These are excellent doctors dealing with him," Zuma said, adding that he hoped his predecessor's health would improve to the point where he would be discharged from hospital.

"We hope very soon he will be out of hospital."

Mandela and Obama
At the press briefing Zuma welcomed Obama to South Africa, saying: "Our talks have taken place against the background of the ill health of our beloved former president ... the founding president of our democracy who is much loved by our people and the world."

"I know that he is your personal hero as well Mr President [Obama]. The two of you are also by bound by history, as the first black presidents of your respective countries."

Zuma said both Mandela and Obama carry the dreams of millions of people in Africa.

"We continue to pray for Madiba's good health and well-being," said Zuma. – Sapa; AFP