Shocking reports Saturday revealed that former South African President Nelson Mandela's ambulance broke down on its way to the hospital on June 8, leaving many to speculate about the accuracy, immediacy and frequency of information surrounding the inspirational leader's health.

"All care was taken to ensure that the former president's medical condition was not compromised by the unforeseen incident," said presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj.

Two weeks ago, 94-year-old Mandela was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night. Though some have said they've seen improvement in his health since his hospitalization for a recurring lung infection, Mandela's condition has remained pretty much unchanged since initial reports of him being in "serious but stable" condition.

"He's receiving the best possible care," said Maharaj. "Everything is being done to ensure that he is comfortable and that he is getting better."

Today, the South African Office of the Presidency revealed that Mandela's ambulance broke down, causing the ailing leader to wait for another one while en route to the hospital:

"When the ambulance experienced engine problems it was decided that it would be best to transfer to another military ambulance which itself was accompanied for the rest of the journey by a civilian ambulance.

The fully equipped military ICU ambulance had a full complement of specialist medical staff including intensive care specialists and ICU nurses. The convoy also included two quick response vehicles."

The Mandela family has asked for privacy as the anti-apartheid leader's health battle continues, but recent statements from family and officials alike do indicate that his condition has somewhat improved. Mandela's daughter Zenani Mandela-Dlamini told a crowd of reporters outside Mediclinic Heart Hospital her father "is doing very well."

South African president Thabo Mbeki said, "Nelson Mandela is improving in terms of his health. I don't think anyone should entertain some sort of wrong notion that Nelson Mandela is about to die tomorrow. He's not going to."