However, officials insisted his admission was planned rather than an emergency, although they declined to say where he was being treated.
Last night Mr Mandela was said to be stable and fully conscious after undergoing a ‘diagnostic procedure’ and is expected to be released from hospital today or tomorrow.
A statement from the office of the current president, Jacob Zuma, using Mr Mandela’s honorific name, said: ‘Madiba has had a long-standing abdominal complaint, and doctors feel it needs proper specialist medical attention.
‘The doctors are satisfied with his condition, which they say is consistent with his age.’
Meanwhile, Mr Mandela’s eldest daughter Makaziwe, 57, has spoken of her fears for her father, but said that the family hope he will rally. She told The Mail on Sunday: ‘He is very old and I know that one day I have to face being an orphan. I hope he will pull through, but he is very frail and weak.’
But Mr Mandela’s eldest granddaughter Ndileka said: ‘I don’t see it as a big thing. When I saw him on Wednesday he was in good spirits, in perfect health, and the epitome of health, really, for a man of his age.’
'In good spirits': Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg with US First Lady Michelle Obama last year
The ruling African National Congress said in a statement last night: ‘His condition is not life threatening, the admission was long arranged and therefore is not an emergency admission.
‘The ANC would like to wish Madiba a speedy recovery. We believe he is in good hands and there is no need for panic.’
When Mr Mandela was taken ill last year there was fevered speculation in the South African media and virtual silence from the government, fuelling public fears that he was close to death. But after two nights he was discharged.
This time, the authorities appear to have been more open with the public. ‘I can assure you that the former president is in good spirits and well,’ said Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for Mr Zuma.
Former leader: Mr Mandela with the World Cup
trophy two years ago when the tournament was held in South Africa. He
has rarely been seen in public since
Unusually, visitors had been banned from his home in Johannesburg, where he had been resting before being taken into hospital on Friday night.
A source said: ‘The house has essentially been cordoned off, because he has been so poorly.
‘He hasn’t been feeling well at all and there has been a lot of anxiety about his condition. His pulse has been very quick and the family feared that his body was beginning to shut down.’
Rally: Nelson Mandela speaks to a crowd of 100,000 people in 1990 two days after he was released from prison after 27 years
Makaziwe, a businesswoman also known as Maki, said: ‘My father always wanted to go back to where he came from.
‘I visit him whenever I can. I spend time with him, precious time.’ Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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