Recurrence of lung infection keeps Tata in hospital - presidency

MEDICAL tests conducted on ailing former president Nelson Mandela have revealed a recurrence of a lung infection.

The Presidency said yesterday that Mandela, 94, was responding to treatment. On Monday, his wife, Graça Machel, told eNews Channel Africa that his "sparkle" was fading.

She said it was painful to see the anti-apartheid leader "ageing".

"I mean, this spirit and this sparkle, you see that somehow it's fading," she said.

"To see him ageing, it's something also that pains you . You understand and you know it has to happen."

Mandela has spent four nights at 1Military Hospital in Pretoria and has undergone tests described as being "consistent [with] his age".

Security at the hospital has been very tight.

Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said Mandela was receiving "appropriate treatment and he is responding to [it]".

It is the second time this year that Mandela has been hospitalised.