Nelson Mandela looking much better, says Jacob Zuma after Christmas visit
Source: the guardian
Nelson Mandela is in good spirits and is looking much better' said President Jacob Zuma after paying a Christmas morning visit to the 94-year-old former South African president in a Pretoria hospital.
Mandela was admitted for care on 8 December and has been treated for a lung infection and gallstones at an undisclosed hospital. It is the longest time he has spent in hospital since his release in 1990, after 27 years in prison.
Zuma said he had visited 'Madiba'' – the clan name by which Mandela is known to South Africans – alongside the former president's wife, Graça Machel and members of the Mandela family. "We found him in good spirits. He shouted my clan name, Nxamalala, as I walked into the ward. 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.''
Prayers were said for the elder statesman at midnight masses and Christmas Day services across South Africa. The African National Congress and the Zulus' King Goodwill Zwelithini had earlier sent their good wishes and calls for prayers.
Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/25/nelson-mandela-jacob-zuma-christmas
