By Nicole Megan GounderReporter
Youth Journalism International
DURBAN, South Africa – Over the past week, there have been rumours spreading around the nation regarding the health of former President Nelson Mandela, an international cultural icon.
This was followed by tweets and Facebook status updates claiming that he’d died.
But to the relief of the nation, the rumors proved false.
All was revealed today in live press coverage on SABC news when the entire nation tuned in at exactly 12:30 p.m. to get the insight regarding Madiba’s situation.
First to speak was Acting President Kgalema Motlanthe who explained that Mandela underwent specialized medical tests as a normal part of his medical regimen. Mandela recently developed an acute respiratory infection for which he
received treatment at the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.
Motlanthe said Mandela “is receiving the best treatment from the best health professionals in this country.”
It was made known that Mandela had many checkups in the past. He has had a number of ailments in the past, including tuberculosis while imprisoned on Robben Island during Apartheid.
It was also made known that the beloved former president has been on medication and is responding well to the current treatment.
Grandson Nkosi Mandla Mandela revealed that there has been a lot of anxiety in the family and that they have supported him over the years.
There is joy among South Africans and the Mandela family, as he has been discharged from hospital today to return to his home where he will continue to receive the proper medical care required.
Nelson Mandela has touched the lives of many people in South Africa and around the world.
We can only hope and pray that he has a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
