Nelson Mandela still in hospital

Former South African president Nelson Mandela is still in hospital  for medical tests, although the government has said there is no cause for alarm. President Jacob Zuma confirmed in a statement on Saturday  that the 94-year "Tata" as he is known  by his supporters, was admitted to to a Pretoria hospital for "medical attention" but it gave no details of Mandela's condition. "President Zuma assures all that Madiba is doing well and there is no cause for alarm," it said, referring to Mandela by his clan name. Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said the former president is undergoing routine tests at a military hospital in Pretoria, the capital, just north of Johannesburg.  Like many South Africans, Maharaj referred to the anti-apartheid icon by his clan name, Madiba.  “President Zuma assures all that Madiba is doing well and there is no need for alarm.  We have previously said, and we repeat, that he will be receiving medical attention from time to time which is consistent with his age,” he said. However Maharaj gave few details, citing patient confidentiality.  He  would not say whether Mr. Mandela was taken to the hospital by helicopter or what medical tests he was undergoing. The military has largely taken over responsibility for the former president's medical treatment.  Maharaj said the hospital was chosen because it has all the facilities  Mandela needs and where his privacy is secure. This is the second time Mandela has been   admitted to hospital,  in February  he was admitted because of abdominal pain, but released the following day after a keyhole examination showed there was nothing seriously wrong with him. He has since spent most of his time in his ancestral home in Qunu, a village in the impoverished Eastern Cape province. His frail health prevents him from making any public appearances in South Africa, although in the last few months he has continued to receive prominent visitors, including former US President Bill Clinton.