Nelson Mandela taken to hospital with collapsed lung amid growing fears for his health

Nelson Mandela is suffering from a collapsed lung , it was revealed today, after South Africa’s first black president was taken to hospital, sparking fears about his failing health.

A source close to the 92-year-old revealed his condition, and said he could be released from hospital as early as tomorrow.



Spokesmen for the former president, who has appeared increasingly frail recently, had insisted the visit was for ‘routine tests’.

But his arrival at Milpark hospital in Johannesburg by ambulance yesterday afternoon was followed by a stream of family members, including his wife Graça Machel, 65.

Frail: Nelson Mandela'slast public appearance at the World Cup Final in July, when he toured the stadium in a buggy while joined by wife Graça Machel, who visited him in hospital yesterday as he underwent 'routine tests'

Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also visited him, prompting speculation that his condition was worse than first reported.

And Archbishop Desmond Tutu had weighed into the debate by saying his former comrade in the struggle against white rule appeared ‘frail’ when they met last week.

However, the source, who asked not to be named, said: 'Mandela was treated by military doctors and should be discharged tomorrow.'

President Jacob Zuma and the ruling African National Congress - of which Mr Mandela was leader - appealed for calm today after the hospitalisation set off speculation in local media about Mr Mandela's health.

'President Mandela is comfortable and is well looked after by a good team of medical specialists,' Zuma said in a statement. The ANC said there was no reason to panic.

'He is a 92-year-old and will have ailments associated with his age, and the fact that he stayed the night should not suggest the worst,' ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said.

Mr Mandela has not been seen in public since his brief appearance before the final of the World Cup six months ago when he driven in a buggy, rather than walking, on to the pitch at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, the township where he still has a house.

Last night the Nelson Mandela Foundation said: ‘We can confirm that Nelson Mandela is at Milpark hospital undergoing routine tests. He is in no danger and is in good spirits.’



Concern: Some of Mr Mandela's grandchildren visiting the former president at Milpark hospital, Johannesburg

Cordoned off: Mr Mandela's personal assistant Zelda la Grange enters a specially screened area of the car park

Exit: Graca Machel, 65, Mr Mandela's third wife, leaves the hospital in the back of a chauffeur-driven car

In the hospital’s car park, a cordon was erected around the family cars, providing them with privacy.

Earlier this month, a report circulated around the world on social network Twitter that the elder statesman had died.

It was condemned as malicious and insensitive by the ruling ANC.

However, sources close to the family have confirmed privately that his health had deteriorated in recent months.

It is widely reported in South Africa that Mr Mandela suffers from age-related dementia.

Worry: More relatives leaving the cordoned off area of the hospital car park last night

Interest: Film crews and press photographers outside Milpark Hospital

Tests: Milpark Hospital last night where Mr Mandela was said to be in good spirits

Since his released from prison in 1990 after 27 years behind bars, Mr Mandela has been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer.

Six years ago, he announced his retirement from from public life. His health had been declining, and he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Since then, he has appeared only rarely in public and hardly ever to speak.

Access to the iconic freedom fighter is strictly guarded by his family and staff.

Mr Mandela, who served as president between 1994 and 1999, retired from public life in 2004.

Raising fears: Fellow Apartheid fighter Archbishop Desmond Tutu, pictured on Tuesday in Cape Town, weighed into the debate about Mr Mandela's health by saying the former president looked 'frail' when they met last week

Since then, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation have been set up to continue charity work in his name.

During his brief appearance at the FIFA World Cup last July he cut an extremely frail figure, with a thin frame and white hair.

At the time, Mr Mandela was still mourning the sudden death of his great granddaughter in a car crash and had declined all requests to meet visiting heads of state and celebrities who flocked to South Africa for the month-long tournament.