Mandel remains 'serious but stable'

Published: 11 June 2013
FORMER South Africa president Nelson Mandela remains in a "serious but stable" condition in a Pretoria hospital despite some speculation that he was set to be moved to his Eastern Cape home of Qunu.

He spent his third night in hospital after being admitted on Saturday morning for treatment for a recurring lung infection.

Increased concern over Madiba’s health has continued following televised footage - the first in months - of a frail and gaunt man during a visit to his Houghton home by African National Congress (ANC) leaders in April.

In the first update in two days on Monday, the Presidency said Mr Mandela "remains in hospital, and his condition is unchanged".

Media reports that the Mandela family had barred ANC and government officials from visiting Madiba in hospital were quickly dismissed by the party.

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said that " given the pressure associated" with Mr Mandela’s admission to hospital, there were general restrictions that permitted "only relevant people to have access".

The ANC on Monday called on the media to "treat Madiba's health as a serious matter and stop making unwarranted speculations". Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj also called on the media to refrain from "legitimising" speculation by publishing "faceless, unsourced stories".

This is Mr Mandela’s fourth hospitalisation in several months. He was receiving care at his Houghton home when his lung problems returned.

He was diagnosed with early-stage tuberculosis in 1988 and has had treatment for prostate cancer and stomach ailments.

On April 6, Mr Mandela was discharged from hospital after spending nine days receiving treatment for his lung problems. Early in March, he was admitted to a Pretoria hospital for a scheduled check-up.

- Sapa
Tags: Mandela,

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