Nelson Mandela responding to treatment for recurring lung infection

FORMER president of South Africa Nelson Mandela is suffering from a recurring lung infection but is responding to treatment, say officials.

A statement from spokesman Mac Maharaj said that the 94-year-old is ‘receiving appropriate treatment and he is responding to the treatment.’

Mr Mandela was admitted to the 1 Military Hospital near Pretoria on Saturday.

The former president was taken to a Johannesburg hospital in January 2011 for what officials initially described as tests but what turned out to be an acute respiratory infection.

Mr Mandela is revered for being a leader of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa and for preaching reconciliation when he was released from 27 years imprisonment in 1990.

He served one five-year term as president before retiring from public life.