The Congress of the People shares the concern of all South Africans with regards to recent reports about the state of health of former President Nelson Mandela.

As a great South African icon and a symbol of the vision and aspirations of the post-Apartheid South Africa, we celebrate the exemplary life and extraordinary legacy of Madiba along with South Africans and people across the world.

We also join in the collective sigh of relief as it is reported that Madiba is merely under-going routine tests.

While Madiba continues to be an inspiration and role model to all of us and people the world over, we note with concern the manner in which the media continue to abuse the daily life of the former President.

Through the Nelson Mandela Foundation and members of the Mandela family, it has repeatedly been requested that the media respect the privacy and wishes of Madiba concerning his retirement.

It is therefore unacceptable and distasteful that the media should continue to drive a sensationalist agenda around the developments in Madiba's life.

We believe that the former President has led a long and full life, and has contributed selflessly and beyond the call of duty to building a democratic, united, non-racial and non-sexist society. The least we could do is respect the wishes of Madiba with regards to his retirement and allow him and his family to spend these years together and away from the constant scrutiny of the media.

Accordingly we wish Madiba all the best with his health and trust that he will be allowed to spend the years ahead enjoying the fruits of his life's work.

Statement issued by Deidre Carter, MP and Acting General Secretary, Congress of the People (L), January 27 2011

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