CBS News/ March 9, 2013, 12:38 PM

Nelson Mandela hospitalized in South Africa

Updated at 2:20 p.m. ET

Former South African President Nelson Mandela was admitted to a hospital for tests Saturday, a government official told CBS News.

Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for the South African government, told CBS News that Mandela's admission is a scheduled visit for tests commensurate with someone of his age. Mandela is 94.

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"Doctors are conducting tests and have thus far indicated that there is no reason for any alarm," read a statement issued by the country's presidency.

Mandela is in a hospital in the capital city of Pretoria, but Maharaj would not specify which one.

He was also not sure how long Mandela would stay in the hospital.

Mandela was released from a hospital Dec. 26 after receiving nearly three weeks of treatment for a lung infection and gallstones.

The first picture of Mandela after his discharge wasn't released until early February. At the time, his granddaughters said he was in good health and good spirits.

At his birthday last July, CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips was granted rare access to the party at Mandela's home.

The former president appeared to be physically healthy but detached from things going on around him, Phillips reported.

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5 Comments Add a Comment
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rubytightass says:
Mick how r u?
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littleredtop says:
Who?
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ellvie2005 says:
Did you read the article? He's not dead, just undergoing tests appropriate for a man his age. Don't jump to conclusions!
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TheStoicOne says:
To former President Nelson Mandela, thank you, for your service to your country, your people, and, indeed, to the world. I guess we must bid you farewell. We shall always love you. We shall always remember your sacrifice. You have taught us much. May the force be with you, forever!

RLW,JD
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rubytightass replies:
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Kate we are ending the largest corruption this nation @ the least was blind sided by WORLD WAR 3 new world order AS INVESTIGATION (DETROIT PERFECT HIGH LIGHTED EXAMPLE)I (Mick Jagger)understand your calling is to send off surges for peace wth world powers well known for these surge efforts asking you to join them reach out invite the visions not complicated nor is this a MTN to climb all that is needed is a large pot of STONE SOUP ya really oughta try it stone soup ya just can;t buy it ...... You are the missing Rolling Stone there is a whisper where there once was a stone my love