Nelson Mandela Admitted To Hospital

Former South African president Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital needing "specialist medical attention".

The 93-year-old ex-leader was taken to the hospital due to a "long-standing abdominal complaint," which "doctors feel... needs proper specialist medical attention," a statement released by President Jacob Zuma said.
"We wish him a speedy recovery and assure him of the love and good wishes of all South Africans and people throughout the world," it said.

"We request that all respect the privacy of Madiba and that of his family during this period."
The South African government issued a statement saying the hospital visit was planned and would not involve an operation.
ANC spokesman Keith Khosa said: "There's no need for panic. It was not an emergency admission. It was planned."
His oldest granddaughter said she was not worried about the situation as Mr Mandela seemed "in perfect health" earlier this week.

"I don't see it as a big thing. He's in perfect health. When I saw him on Wednesday, he was in good spirits, in perfect health... the epitome of health really for a man of his age," Ndileka Mandela said.
"I'm not worried. Granddad rebounded from his illness last year. I don't see any reason why this should be any different."
Mr Mandela, or Madiba as he is affectionately known, has appeared increasingly frail in recent years, and sparked national fears after he was in hospital early last year for an acute respiratory infection.
Labour MP and anti-apartheid campaigner Peter Hain tweeted: "Solidarity with Nelson Mandela just admitted to hospital, we are all with you."
Despite his ill-health, Mr Mandela asked to meet American First Lady Michelle Obama during her trip to Africa last year.
Mr Mandela won the world's respect and admiration for his fight against prejudice and discrimination in South Africa.
He spent 27 years in prison - 18 of those at the infamous Robben Island facility - before his eventual release in 1990.

The anti-apartheid icon won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, a year before he was elected South Africa's first black president.
He spent one term in that post, stepping down in 1999 and has since become one of the world's most respected international statesmen.



SOURCE:  Yahoo news...