C-upi
1/27/2011 8:45:00 PM
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The African
National Congress called for calm from South Africans in the wake of
former President Nelson Mandela's admission to a hospital for
routine tests.
"We appeal, particularly to the media fraternity, to refrain
from making unfounded and unwarranted speculation in relation to
Madiba's (Mandela's) health," spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a
statement.
The ANC also called on media to end its speculation about
Mandela's health and give his family privacy, South African news
agency BUANews reported Thursday.
Mandela, 92, was admitted into a Johannesburg hospital
Wednesday for what his foundation described as "routine tests."
Hospital, family and government officials have been mum about his
condition, fueling speculation about the retired leader's condition.
"It is a well-known fact that Madiba is 92 years old and no
longer a young man," Mthembu said in the statement.
He said family members, friends and top ANC officials have
been to the hospital, as well as Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie
Madikizela-Mandela; Mandela's personal assistant, Zelda la Grange;
and family friend Jeff Radebe.