Mandela ‘in good shape and good spirits’

Nelson Mandela was last night visited at home by ANC leaders who said he was “in good shape and in good spirits”.

The 94-year-old was discharged from hospital earlier this month after more than a week of treatment for pneumonia. It was the third time in the past four months that the former president had stayed in hospital.

President Jacob Zuma and ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa were among officials who visited the veteran leader at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

President Zuma said Mr Mandela “shook hands and even smiled”. Mr Mandela’s lung problems date from his 27 years as a political prisoner. He contracted tuberculosis during his 18-year imprisonment on Robben Island.

He retired from public life in 2004 after acting as a high-profile ambassador for the country.

Mr Mandela is seen by many as father of the nation.