Nelson Mandela, 93, in good spirits
Feb 26, 2012 | Pratirodh BureauFormer South African president Nelson Mandela has undergone a diagnostic procedure for long-standing abdominal complaint.
The 93-year-old Mandela, popularly known by his clan name Madiba, is recovering well in the hospital after being treated for the abdominal pain.
A statement from President Jacob Zuma urged people not to panic as he is doing well and doctors are fully satisfied with his condition.
"He was in good health before admission in hospital but doctors felt the complaint needed a thorough investigation," the statement added.
One of his granddaughter also told the television reporters that there was nothing to worry about his grandpa\\\’s health.
"He is in perfect health, and, you know, the epitome of health really for a man of his age,” Ndileka Mandela.
The health of the South African\\\’s icon has decilined in recent times. He was even been hospitalised earlier this year following an acute respiratory infection, sparking nationwide fears.
He has shied away from public appearences since then.
His last publc appearence was at 2010 World cup final match in Soccer city stadium in Johannesburg.
The Noble prize winner Mandela remains one of the beloved public figures across the Globe.
Mr. Mandela spent 27 years in jail fighting against white minority regime in the country. He was released on February 11, 1990.
He had come out as a far greater person than the man who went in.
Four years later in 1994, he became the first black president of South Africa.
“We enter into a covenant that we shall build a society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity — a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world,” he declared when he became president in 1994.
He stepped down as the president of the coutry in 1999 after serving one five-year term.
Mr. Mandela was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 and successfully underwent treatment.
In 2004, he announced retirement from public life in view to spend quality time with his family and friends.
In a first such honour to an individual, the United Nations in 2009 declared his birthday as Nelson Mandela International Day.