Beloved former South African president and civil rights activist, Nelson Mandela, was taken to hospital over the weekend for undisclosed reasons. Now, it has been revealed that Mandela is in good care and doing well.
Having spent 27 years in jail for protesting racist white rule and being released to go on to become president for one term, Mandela is seen as a hero and is much loved by the citizens of South Africa.
Mandela’s trip to the hospital and the lack of information about his health has many citizens worried. He has a history of illness starting with tuberculosis, which he contracted in prison.
Since his time as president, Mandela has chosen to live a quiet life out of the spotlight and made his last public appearance in 2010 for the World Cup which was hosted by South Africa.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Mandela’s activism for racial equality led to all races in South Africa finally being able to vote in 1994. He won the election himself and became the first president elected in a proper democratic election.
- Awarded the Nobel peace Prize in 1993.
- July 18th is considered Nelson Mandela Day. On this day, people are asked to spend 67 minutes helping others in some way. These minutes represent the 67 years Mandela spent serving his home country.
- Mandela’s birth name is Rolihlahla, which colloquially means “troublemaker.”