Madiba 'in good hands'

FORMER president Nelson Mandela is in good health.

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said yesterday that, given Mandela's age - he turned 94 this year - he was in good health.

"He is doing very well, is in good health, is comfortable, and is receiving the best medical attention.

"We are appealing to people not to worry and to remain calm," said Maharaj.

Mandela was admitted to 1Military Hospital, Pretoria, on Saturday, sparking fears in South Africa and abroad that he was gravely ill.

"Mandela had a good night's rest ... he is in good hands."

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula visited Mandela yesterday morning but could not say how long he would remain in hospital.

"Doctors are still waiting for the results of the tests ... it is too early to say," she said.

In February, Mandela was admitted to a Pretoria hospital for minor surgery for abdominal complaints.

He was treated at Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, in January last year for a respiratory infection.