South African government has denied a report that former President Nelson Mandela is in a vegetative state.
A statement from the presidency cited doctors as denying the report and reiterated an earlier statement that Mr. Mandela remains in critical but stable condition.
A source said Mr. Mandela has been getting kidney dialysis and opens his eyes when people talk to him. The anti-apartheid icon, who is 94, was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on June 8 for a recurring lung infection.