Fears as Mandela stays in hospital

FORMER South African president Nelson Mandela was spending a second day in hospital for what his office described as routine tests but which drew concern over the health of the 92-year-old anti- apartheid leader.

Mandela undergoes regular hospital check-ups, but his latest visit starting on Wednesday stretched into an unusually long stay.

Journalists camped outside the hospital yesterday as Mandela’s relatives and friends entered for visits.

President Jacob Zuma, attending the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, is being updated on developments by the defence minister, whose department is responsible for current and former presidents’ healthcare, Zuma’s office said.

The presidency cautioned reporters not to put pressure on Mandela’s doctors and to give “a national hero” dignity and respect

Children at a school next door to Milpark Hospital made cards and posters wishing Mandela well and put them up on the school grounds.

Head teacher Nicky Humphries said students and teachers prayed for South Africa’s most famous citizen before classes started.

Zuma’s office said Mandela “is comfortable and is well looked after by a good team of medical specialists”.

Mandela’s office has released only a brief statement, saying on Wednesday the hospital visit is for routine tests and that Mandela is in “no danger and is in good spirits”.

Mandela was jailed for 27 years for his fight against apartheid.

He became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 and stepped down after serving one term in 1999.