TREATMENT: Nelson Mandela
SOUTH AFRICA'S first black President Nelson Mandela is being treated for a lung infection, after being hospitalised over the weekend, reports the BBC News.
This is the first time officials have revealed why the 94-year-old was admitted to Pretoria hospital on Saturday [Dec 8], with a rep only revealing yesterday [Dec 10] that Mandela had to “undergo tests” before confirming that he was "doing well".
Spokesman for the noble peace prize winner, Mac Maharaj, reportedly said the tests revealed a "recurrence of a previous lung infection" but confirmed that Mandela is responding well to treatment.
It's reported that the iconic race campaigner has been treated in the past for the early stages of Tuberculosis - an infectious disease that can damage the lungs.
Mandela is regarded by most South Africans as the father of the nation, having inspired them to fight for democracy.
Under South Africa's apartheid regime, he spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of sabotage and attempts to overthrow the government.
Mandela was released in 1990 and went on to become the country’s first black president in 1994.
The United Nations declared July 18 as Mandela Day in 2009.