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Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in hospital

Wednesday January 24 2018
winnie

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela at her home in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. PHOTO | PETER DUBE

By PETER DUBE

South Africa anti-apartheid struggle stalwart and ex-wife of late former President Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, has been admitted at a Johannesburg hospital with kidney infection.

According to a statement released by the Mandela family, Ms Madikizela-Mandela, 81, was admitted at Milpark Hospital on Sunday.

“Prior to going to the clinic, she was uncomfortable and complaining of loss of appetite and one of her legs was painful,” the family said in a statement.

It added that upon admission, it was discovered that she had an infection that had affected her kidneys.

“She is expected to make a full recovery and should spend approximately a week at the hospital. She is constantly surrounded by family and is in high spirits,” read the statement.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has joined South Africans in wishing her a speedy recovery.

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"The African National Congress sends its well wishes Comrade Nomzamo Mandela as she recovers in hospital. We're very happy to hear that she's in good spirits and expects to be discharged soon."

Back surgery

Ms Madikizela-Mandela has been in and out of hospital in recent years. In October last year, she was admitted to hospital for a procedure on her knee.

In September 2011, she was admitted to the Life Brenthurst Clinic in the south of Johannesburg due to a pain in her ankle and had undergone a minor foot operation which was successful.

In December 2016, Ms Madikizela-Mandela was rushed to hospital for reasons not made known to the public after her stay in hospital in April 2016, following back surgery.

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