Nelson Mandela is losing his trademark “sparkle”, according to his wife, as the South African government announced he is suffering from a recurrence of a lung infection.
A government statement said the South African former president is responding to treatment for the infection.
“Doctors have concluded the tests, and these have revealed a recurrence of a previous lung infection, for which Madiba is receiving appropriate treatment and he is responding to the treatment,” said a statement from President Jacob Zuma’s office.
South African government officials have said the former president is comfortable and does not face immediate danger, but they refuse to speculate on when he is likely to be discharged from a Pretoria military hospital.