Published: 09 Jun 2013 - 03:01 am | Last Updated: 01 Feb 2022 - 10:17 am
PRETORIA: Nelson Mandela was back in hospital yesterday in a “serious but stable” condition, triggering an outpouring of concern for South Africa’s beloved national hero at home and across the globe.
Mandela, who turns 95 next month, was admitted to a Pretoria hospital in the early hours suffering a renewed lung infection, his fourth hospital stay in seven months and the third this year.
“The truth of the matter is a simple one. Madiba is a fighter and at his age as long as he is fighting, he’ll be fine,” presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj told AFP, using Mandela’s clan name.
His wife Graca Machel was with him at the hospital after calling off a trip to London earlier this week.
“This morning when Madiba was hospitalised she accompanied him and she is with him at the hospital,” said Maharaj.
The revered anti-apartheid icon, who has long had problems with his lungs, was once again suffering pneumonia after being admitted to hospital in March for 10 days for the same condition, he said.
“His condition deteriorated to the point where it was found necessary to hospitalise him,” said Maharaj, who served time with Mandela at the apartheid prison on Robben Island.
“But I am told by the doctors that he is breathing on his own, so I think that is a positive side,” he added.
The ruling ANC called on South Africans and people around the world to keep “our beloved statesman and icon, Madiba” in their thoughts and prayers.
The Nobel peace laureate is revered around the world as a symbol of peace and forgiveness after leading South Africa into multi-race democracy as its first black president after decades of apartheid rule. AFP
