Nelson Mandela. Photo by Reuters
Former South African president and anti-apartheid hero
Nelson Mandela is looking much better after more than two weeks
in hospital, President Jacob Zuma says.
Zuma, who visited Mandela on Christmas Day, said in a
statement that doctors were happy with the progress the elder
statesman was making.
"We found him in good spirits. He was happy to have visitors
on this special day and is looking much better. The doctors
are happy with the progress that he is making," said Zuma.
The 94-year-old Nobel Peace laureate has been in hospital in
Pretoria for more than two weeks after being admitted for
routine tests and then undergoing surgery to remove
gallstones.
Zuma, who has just been re-elected as president of the ruling
African National Congress party, last week described
Mandela's condition as serious. Periodic statements from the
presidency continue to stress that the veteran politician is
responding to treatment.
No date has been given for his release from hospital.
Mandela, who is internationally admired for his struggle
against minority white rule, retired from public life in 2004
after serving one term as South Africa's first black
president.
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