Nelson Mandela's family speaks as he responds to treatment: 'We are grateful'

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PRETORIA, South Africa – Nelson Mandela’s family spoke publicly for the first time since his latest hospital admission Wednesday as sources expressed optimism about his progress.

“We appreciate the support we have received,” Mandela’s grandson, Mandla, told NBC outside the family home in Houghton, Pretoria.

“We are particularly honored to have received all the prayers and messages,” he said.

It was the first time any relatives have spoken publicly since the 94-year-old democracy icon was admitted to the hospital with a lung infection Saturday.

“We want to say ‘thank you’ and we appreciate all the support you have shown to our grandfather and your father – because my grandfather is the father of the nation, because he is embraced by the whole global community – so we appreciate the support we have received.”

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