Nelson Mandela in hospital in Johannesburg

Ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and senior party members due to visit, but ANC calls for media calm over Madiba's health

guardian.co.uk, David Smith in Johannesburg, Thursday 27 January 2011

Nelson Mandela has not been seen in public since the final of the
football World Cup in July last year. Photograph: Jon Hrusa/EPA

Nelson Mandela is spending his second day in hospital for what are described as "routine medical tests", raising fears over the health of South Africa's former president.

Mandela was admitted to a hospital in Johannesburg yesterday and South African media report that he has been seen by a specialist pulmonologist who treats respiratory disorders.

The 92-year-old's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, arrived at the hospital this morning and senior members of the governing African National Congress (ANC) are reportedly due to visit.

As scores of journalists and camera crews gathered at the hospital, and speculation grew into a frenzy on Twitter, the ANC appealed for calm and insisted Mandela is not in danger.

"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," spokesman Jackson Mthembu said.

"We urge people not to make unfounded statements, let's remain calm and not press panic buttons because there is no reason to do so."

He added: "We appeal - particularly to the media fraternity, to refrain from making unfounded and unwarranted speculation in relation to Madiba's [his clan name] health."

Police were called in to control traffic at the Milpark Hospital as journalists, photographers and television crews converged on the building.

Several of Mandela's family members, including his wife Graca Machel, visited the hospital after his admission. But a spokesman for president Jacob Zuma said he would remain at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Mandela has not been seen in public since the final of the football World Cup in July last year. He retired from public life in June 2004 ahead of his 86th birthday, telling his adoring compatriots: "Don't call me, I'll call you."

Former Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, who met Mandela last week, said: "He was all right, I mean, he's 92, you know. And he's frail."

Earlier this month the ANC said it wanted Twitter to take action after a hoax report of Mandela's death was widely distributed on the social network site.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation declined to comment on his health today but said in an earlier statement: "We can confirm that Mr Mandela is at Milpark Hospital undergoing routine tests. He is in no danger and is in good spirits."

Children at McAuley House primary school, neighbouring the hospital, created "Get well soon" banners and shouted from classroom windows: "Get well Madiba, we love you Madiba."

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South African leader: No need to panic over Mandela's hospitalization