A recent pic of Nelson Mandela
Former South African president Nelson Mandela was rushed to a local hospital Saturday to undergo a “diagnostic procedure” related to a long-standing abdominal problem, although officials state the 93-year-old’s health is not in danger.
“The doctors are satisfied with his [Mandela's] condition, which they say is consistent with his age,” a press release from the office of current South Africa president Jacob Zuma read. ”He was in good health before admission in hospital but doctors felt the complaint needed a thorough investigation.”
The press release went to say that doctors expect Mandela to be released either late Sunday or early Monday.
Although the statement did not say which hospital Mandela was sent to, the BBC speculates it is a military unit in Pretoria.
Mac Maharaj
Speaking with the BBC, Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for President Zuma, would not confirm rumors that Mandela had undergone hernia surgery.
“This was a long-standing complaint – nothing that cropped up suddenly and needed emergency attention,” Maharaj said. “It is an issue that the doctors treating him felt needed specialist attention, and so arrangements were made accordingly.”
Maharaj was in prison in Robben Island with Mandela.
The former South African president had a health scare in January 2011, when he was suddenly rushed to hospital for what some reported as a collapsed lung. Mandela was released after two days, but has not been seen in public since.
The last public appearance Mandela has was during the closing ceremonies of the World Cup in 2010.
UPDATE (2/26): Mandela was released from Pretoria’s “Military 1″ hospital early Sunday after undergoing a a laparoscopy, a procedure that involves surgeons making an incision in the belly to insert a thin, lighted tube to look at abdominal organs.
Related posts:
Mac Maharaj, another ANC Commie Bastard.
Yep agree with this one, time he goes, AND MandelA, USELESS FOR SOCIETY