Nelson Mandela Admitted To Hospital

      Former South African president Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital needing "specialist medical attention".

The 93-year-old ex-leader was taken to the hospital due to a "long-standing abdominal complaint," which "doctors feel ... needs proper specialist medical attention," a statement released by President Jacob Zuma said.

"We wish him a speedy recovery and assure him of the love and good wishes of all South Africans and people throughout the world.

"We request that all respect the privacy of Madiba and that of his family during this period," it said.

Mandela, or Madiba as he is affectionately known, has appeared increasingly frail in recent years, and sparked national fears after he was hospitalised early last year for an acute respiratory infection.

Nelson Mandela won the world's respect and admiration for his fight against prejudice and discrimination in South Africa, reports Sky News.

He spent 27 years in prison - 18 of those at the infamous Robben Island facility - before his eventual release in 1990.

The anti-apartheid icon won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, a year before he was elected South Africa's first black president.

He spent one term in that post, stepping down in 1999 and has since become one of the world's most respected international statesmen.

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