JOHANNESBURG — South African officials for the first time Saturday confirmed the seriousness of Nelson Mandela’s illness — pneumonia — as the former president prepared to spend a fourth night in a hospital.
JOHANNESBURG — South African officials for the first time Saturday confirmed the seriousness of Nelson Mandela’s illness — pneumonia — as the former president prepared to spend a fourth night in a hospital.
Mandela, 94, who has a history of respiratory problems, had a pleural effusion, or fluid in or around the lungs, which had been drained, according to the president’s office.
“This has resulted in him now being able to breathe without difficulty. He continues to respond to treatment and is comfortable,” said presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj. His statement was the first suggesting that Mandela had experienced difficulty breathing in recent days.
Mandela, who helped lead the rebellion against apartheid rule in South Africa, is revered as a symbol of peace and reconciliation in a nation often plagued by racial divisions. He contracted tuberculosis while imprisoned for 27 years by the white minority government, and has suffered from respiratory problems since.
Earlier updates from the president’s office said Mandela was in good spirits, responding well and eating breakfast.