2012-12-08 17:37
Cape Town – Former President Nelson Mandela has been admitted to a Pretoria hospital for “medical attention”, the Presidency has said.
President Jacob Zuma said in a statement that there was no cause for concern.
“Former President Nelson Mandela has today, 8 December 2012, been admitted in hospital in Pretoria to undergo tests,” Zuma’s office announced. Mandela “is doing well and there is no cause for alarm,” it added.
“As said before, former President Mandela will receive medical attention from time to time which is consistent with his age,” spokesperson Mac Maharaj said.
“President Zuma assures all that Madiba is doing well and there is no cause for alarm. We wish Madiba all the best. The medical team is assured of our support as they look after and ensure the comfort of our beloved founding President of a free and democratic South Africa.”
The Presidency appealed to the media and the public to respect the privacy of Mandela and his family.
AFP reports Mandela, who turned 94 in July, has grown frail and has not appeared in public since the Football World Cup final in 2010.
Rumours of his failing health flare up periodically, forcing the government to issue reassurances that all is well.
His last hospitalisation was in February when he spent a night in hospital for a minor exploratory procedure to investigate persistent abdominal pain.
“Mandela will receive medical attention from time to time which is consistent with his age,” said Zuma’s office in a statement.
– SAPA
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Mandela in hospital