JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African President Jacob Zuma says anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela could spend a few more days in the hospital for care.
In a statement Tuesday, Zuma said that the 94-year-old needs “extraordinary care” because of his age.
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Zuma said: “If he spends more days in hospital, it is because that necessary care is being provided.”
Tuesday marked Mandela’s eleventh day in hospital.
South Africa’s government has said the 94-year-old Mandela was admitted Dec. 8 to a hospital in the country’s capital, Pretoria. Officials said Mandela underwent an endoscopic surgery to remove gallstones Saturday after doctors treated him for a recurrent lung infection.
Mandela is revered for being a leader of the struggle against racist white rule, serving 27 years in prison. He served one five-year term as president.
