Former South African President Nelson
Mandela spent his fourth day in
hospital Monday. After being admitted for
a fourth time since December of last year,
Mandela is fighting a lung infection that
seems to be taking its toll on him. The
South African presidency released a
statement earlier stating that the 94-year-
old's condition was "unchanged" adding
on to an earlier statement that described
Mandela's condition as "serious but stable."
Earlier Mandela was treated in the hospital
in April for pneumonia and had to have
fluid drained from around his lungs. He
also had gallstones removed earlier this
year.
Before becoming South African president
in 1994, Mandela spent 27 years in Robben
Island prison, where he contracted
tuberculosis. It is believed that the disease
permanently damaged his lungs; indirectly
leading to the numerous infections he has
suffered since retiring from public life in
2004.
Mandela's family relatives flew in from
around the world today to be at his
bedside. Mandela's wife Graca Machel
cancelled an appearance in London to be
at the hospital where Mandela is receiving
treatment. His eldest daughter Zenani
Mandela-Dlamini returned from
Argentina, where she is the South African
ambassador. Mandela's granddaughters
have also been seen coming and going
from the hospital over the last couple of
days, while another daughter Zindzi
Mandela was yesterday reported as saying,
"I've seen my father and he is well. He is a
fighter." His ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-
Mandela also traveled and met Mandela in
intensive care.
Without doubt the greatest South African to
have ever lived, Mandela is a symbol for
anti-racism, freedom, perseverance,
equality and democracy not only to his
South Africa compatriots but also to the
entire world. His government was the first
representative and elected government in
South Africa signaling an end to the highly
suppressive and racist rule under
apartheid rule which was also responsible
for imprisoning him for 27 years.
Described as the "father of the nation" in
South Africa, Mandela has
received international acclaim for his anti-
colonial and anti-apartheid stance, having
received over 250 awards, including the
1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the
U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom and the
Soviet Order of Lenin .
While one of the greatest men of the 20th
century fights for his life in hospital, we
must not forget to celebrate his
achievements and legacy. Most
importantly however, we must never forget
what Mandela lived for.
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