ANC CALLS FOR CALM ON MADIBA'S HOSPITALISATION

The African National Congress (ANC) would like to confirm that former President Nelson Mandela is still admitted at the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg where he is undergoing routine medical check-up.

It is a well-known fact that Madiba is 92 years old and no longer a young man. As South Africans, let us all allow doctors at the hospital to do their best in conducting tests on our elder statesman. We also wish to confirm that Madiba is well taken care of at the hospital.

We appeal - particularly to the media fraternity - to refrain from making unfounded and unwarranted speculation in relation to Madiba's health. In the same vain we also request the media, in particular, to give Madiba's family and the hospital the necessary privacy.

We call on all South Africans to remain calm regarding the hospitalisation of Madiba and not press any panic buttons, as there is no reason for that whatsoever. We, again, wish to inform all South Africans that if there is any change in the hospitalisation of Madiba, including his discharge from hospital, they will be communicated to.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, African National Congress National Spokesperson, January 27 2011

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