Nelson Mandela taken to hospital as family visits spark growing fears for his health

[tabatha]

Nelson Mandela was taken to hospital yesterday amid fears about the failing health of the first South Africa’s first black president.

Spokesmen for the 92-year-old, who has appeared increasingly frail recently, insisted the visit was for ‘routine tests’.

But his arrival at Milpark hospital in Johannesburg by ambulance yesterday afternoon was followed by a stream of family members, including his wife Graça Machel, 65.



Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also visited him, prompting speculation that his condition was worse than first reported.

Earlier, Archbishop Desmond Tutu weighed into the debate by saying his former comrade in the struggle against white rule appeared ‘frail’ when they met last week.

Mr Mandela has not been seen in public since his brief appearance before the final of the World Cup six months ago when he driven in a buggy, rather than walking, on to the pitch at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, the township where he still has a house.

Last night the Nelson Mandela Foundation said: ‘We can confirm that Nelson Mandela is at Milpark hospital undergoing routine tests. He is in no danger and is in good spirits.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1350953/Nelson-Mandela-taken-hospital-family-visits-spark-growing-fears-health.html#ixzz1CCvzrYZP

[Dogmudgeon]

1. I'm not a prayin' man, but if I was ...

... I'd send a few beseeches to the Big Guy to take care of the President.

And I might do so, anyway.

--d!