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Mandela Remains Hospitalized, Health Improving

Former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his birthday with family in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012.

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VOA News

December 17, 2012

Former South African President Nelson Mandela remains hospitalized after undergoing recent gallstone surgery and treatment for a lung infection.

A presidential spokesman said Monday that the public should assume that Mandela's health is improving unless it supplies information to the contrary.

The 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on December 8. He underwent surgery for gallstones this past Saturday after being treated earlier for a lung infection.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate became South Africa's first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for his opposition to apartheid.

He has grown frail and has made few public appearances in recent years.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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by: sumuni ben from: kitui-kenya

December 17, 2012 11:45 PM

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One thing the Govt spokesperson has to put into his head is that, NELSON MANDELA is no commoner, and for the matter is personal welfare, and by extension his health, is a matter of global concern!
For the spokesperson to order people to assume that Mandela is as fit as a fiddle while we all know that he is in Hospital, is to play around with our intelligence! All people require is a regular, accurate update, if only to quell the public anxiety.I wish NELSON MANDELA long life and GOOD HEALTH!

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