Nelson Mandela making Progress in the Hospital

Afrik Update

   




South Africa's first black President Nelson Mandela, who is being treated for a lung infection, has made progress in the past 24 hours, officials say.

Mr Mandela, 94, was rushed to a military hospital in the capital, Pretoria, on Saturday.
Doctors attending him were "satisfied with the way he is responding to treatment", a statement from the President Jacob Zuma's office said.

News of the hospital stay has prompted much concern in South Africa.
Mr Mandela is one of the world's best-loved figures after spending 27 years in prison for fighting apartheid

The former president - fondly referred to by his clan name, Madiba - is regarded by most South Africans as the father of the nation, having inspired them to fight for democracy.

He led the struggle against white-minority rule before being elected the first black president in democratic elections in 1994.

"We continue to request that Madiba and his family be accorded the necessary space and privacy and thank the media and the public for co-operation," the statement from the presidency said.

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