Mandela 'comfortable' in hospital

President Jacob Zuma has met with South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela this morning.

President Jacob Zuma has met with South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela this morning.

A statement from the presidency said that Mr Zuma found Mr Mandela "comfortable and in good care". It offered no other details about why Mr Mandela (94), is receiving medical tests at a Pretoria hospital.

South Africa's military has been in charge of medical care for the ageing leader since he had a respiratory infection in 2011.

Mr Mandela spent 27 years in prison for fighting racist white rule. He became South Africa's first black president in 1994 and served one five-year term. He has since retired from public life and is frail.

AP

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter