The South African government has confirmed that the ambulance that transported Nelson Mandela to hospital a fortnight ago broke down.

A spokesperson said that the former president was left waiting on the side of the road for more than 40 minutes.

The government was quick to dismiss any speculation the breakdown may have put Mr Mandela's life at risk saying that the ambulance had a "full complement of intensive care specialists and ICU nurses".

The anti-aparthied leader is still said to be in serious but stable condition in hospital as he continues to be treated for a recurring lung infection.

The 94 year old has been in intensive care for the past two weeks.