Nelson Mandela ‘comfortable and responding to treatment’

SOUTH AFRICA’S FORMER president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela is responding to treatment for pneumonia but remains in hospital, current leader Jacob Zuma said today.

In an update on the 94-year-old’s condition, the presidency acknowledged and thanked those who have been praying and sending messages of support to Madiba, referring to the country’s first black president by his tribal name.

Mandela was admitted to hospital on Wednesday due to a recurrence of pneumonia and has now spent three nights being treated for the lung infection. He has been hospitalised several times in recent months with lung-related problems.

Doctors advised that due to the lung infection, the patient developed a pleural effusion which was tapped.

“This has resulted in him now being able to breathe without difficulty. He continues to respond to treatment and is comfortable,” continued the statement.

Earlier this week, President Zuma urged calm, telling the BBC: “The country must not panic, Madiba is fine.”

People across South Africa have been offering up prayers for the former president. These four men were spotted atop a hill overlooking Johannesburg offering up Good Friday prayers for Madiba. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell)

Sunderland Football Club in England has declared today Nelson Mandela Day to mark its recent collaboration with the leader’s foundation.