ANC calls for media to stop speculating about Mandela's health

Johannesburg, Jan 27 (ANI): The African National Congress (ANC) has asked the media to stop speculating about former president Nelson Mandela's health and give the family some privacy.We appeal, particularly to the media fraternity to refrain from making unfounded and unwarranted speculation in relation to Madiba's health," News 24 quoted ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu as saying.

"In the same vein we also request the media, in particular, to give Madiba's family and the hospital the necessary privacy," he said.

Mthembu said South Africans would be informed of any change, including his discharge from Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.

Mandela was admitted into the hospital on Wednesday afternoon for what the Nelson Mandela Foundation described as "routine tests".

The Foundation, Madiba's family and all officials close to the elderly statesman have been mum on details about his health - sparking speculations on social networks about the legendary politician's condition.

"It is a well-known fact that Madiba is 92-years-old and no longer a young man," Mthembu said.

"As South Africans, let us all allow doctors at the hospital to do their best in conducting tests on our elder statesman," he added. (ANI)