Edited by Li Fangfang

As South Africa's anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela remains in hospital in critical condition, people hope for the best.

"We all love him but there is nothing we can do. Look at what is happening. We are expressing our love to him. We can't stop anything, but nothing can stop us to love him," Pheko Mawewe, a member of the ruling African National Congress Youth League, said on June 26.

Mandela, 94, has been hospitalized since June 8 for a recurring lung infection. This is his fourth hospitalisation since December 2012.

People from all walks of life gathered outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria where Mandela is fighting for his life. At the prayer vigil, they sang hymns and psalms to their beloved statesman.

July 18 is Mandela's 95th birthday, declared Nelson Mandela International Day in 2010 by the United Nations in honor of his dedication to national reconciliation and freedom.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's Key Dates

1918 Born in Mvezo, South Africa on July 18

1944 Joins African National Congress

1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped

1962 Arrested, sentenced to five years in prison

1964 Charged again, sentenced to life

1990 Freed from prison

1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize

1994 Elected first black president of South Africa

1999 Steps down as leader

(Compiled from Xinhua)