The internet is buzzing with news of former South African President Nelson Mandela’s hospitalization. The 93-year-old African icon was admitted to a hospital in Johannesburg Tuesday 
September 6th. Sources close to the family dispelled rumors of Mandela’s death saying he is “alive and well”.
Affectionately known as “Madiba” by the people of South Africa, Mandela is internationally recognized as a fearless activist for equality during the country’s apartheid period. After being jailed in 1963, Mandela served 18 of his 27 year sentence. He was released in 1990, and was elected the first black South African president in 1994. He later won a Nobel Peace prize for his work to end apartheid.
Mandela is often seen as a symbol of wisdom and strength throughout the continent, and his ailing health has many praying for his recovery. The former president was hospitalized in January of this year with a respiratory infection and survived bouts with prostate cancer and tuberculosis. With an optimistic prognosis and anticipated hospital release, Mandela continues to prove he is a fighter.
Face2Face Africa will continue to provide updates on this story.
