SOWETAN, THE MAIL & GUARDIAN (South Africa)
South Africa’s former president and national hero Nelson Mandela is being treated for a lung infection.
After much speculation, South African officials finally revealed Tuesday why Nelson Mandela, aged 94, was initially admitted to hospital in the nation’s capital Pretoria on Saturday.
President Jacob Zuma’s office released a statement this morning on its official website, which read, “Doctors have concluded the tests, and these have revealed a recurrence of a previous lung infection.” He is reportedly receiving appropriate treatment and is responding well.
“President Zuma thanks the public for continuous support to former President Mandela and his family at this time,” the statement said.
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Zuma reportedly visited Mandela in hospital on Sunday. Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj said Mandela was “comfortable, and in good care.”
On Monday, Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said Mandela was “doing very, very well,” according to South African daily the Mail & Guardian.
For many South Africans, Nelson Mandela is regarded as the father of the nation after having led the fight for democracy, and against white-minority rule. He became the first black president in 1994, after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize one year earlier.
Daily Sowetan reported that African National Congress members praised and sang for Mandela’s speedy recovery Tuesday, with Chairman Paul Mashatile saying, “May he recover speedily. He remains an inspiration to us and we wish him a long life.”
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