Mandela treated for lung infection
Former South African president Nelson Mandela is suffering from a recurring lung infection and is responding to treatment, officials said today.
A statement from presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said the 94-year-old is “receiving appropriate treatment and he is responding to the treatment”.
Mandela was admitted to the 1 Military Hospital near South Africa’s capital, Pretoria, on Saturday.
In January 2011, Mr Mandela was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital for what officials initially described as tests but what turned out to be an acute respiratory infection.
Mr Mandela is revered for being a leader of the struggle against racist white rule in South Africa and for preaching reconciliation once he emerged from prison in 1990 after 27 years behind bars.
He served one five-year term as president before retiring from public life.
