Africa

Mandela health ‘steadily improving’

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South Africa’s presidency says Nelson Mandela’s health condition is “steadily improving” as the country celebrates the anti-apartheid legend’s 95th birthday.

“Madiba remains in hospital in Pretoria, but his doctors have confirmed that his health is steadily improving,” the government said in a Thursday statement, using Mandela’s clan name.

President Jacob Zuma wished Mandela a “joyous” birthday and added that his health was improving.

“We are proud to call this international icon our own as South Africans and wish him good health,” he said in the statement.

Children in schools will sing Happy Birthday to Mandela to launch the celebration ceremonies across the country.

Mandela’s daughter, Zindzi, also said on Wednesday that the former president had made “dramatic progress.”

“I should think he will be going home anytime soon,” she said.

The 95-year-old African hero was transferred to a hospital in Pretoria in the northern province of Gauteng on June 8 as his lung infection deteriorated.

Mandela has a history of lung problems dating back to when he contracted tuberculosis as a political prisoner.

The anti-apartheid hero suffered from respiratory disease during 27 years in prison. He was released in 1990 and then he made peacemaking efforts in the country. He was elected as president in 1994.

The former South African president has received more than 250 awards over four decades, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. In recent years, Mandela’s health problems have worried his supporters.

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