Winnie Madikizela-Mandela arrives at her birthday celebreations at Vilakazi Street in Soweto, 25 September 2016. Madikizela-Mandela turns 80 on 26 September. Organised by the ANC Women's League the event was titled a cultural carnival as attendees also celebrated Heritage Day, which occurred over the weekend. Picture: Michel Bega
The family of struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela says there is no cause for alarm, reassuring the country she is in a stable condition after being admitted to hospital on Wednesday afternoon following a scheduled routine checkup.
Family spokesperson Victor Dlamini confirmed her admission on Thursday, telling The Citizen that regular observations by her doctors were ongoing.
“She is definitely fine and goes for regular checkups. The last one was in December. The doctors have to ensure when she comes for these checkups that she is fine,” Dlamini said.
“When she went on Thursday, the doctors decided to admit her for further observation. These are ongoing, so there is nothing to worry about.”
Madikizela-Mandela was last admitted to hospital in December for a few hours after her last routine check-up. In April, she was admitted to hospital for a few weeks after complications related to an earlier back surgery.
According to Dlamini: “The Mandela family wish to inform the public that Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has been admitted to the Milpark Hospital for observation. She went there for a routine medical checkup on Wednesday. A decision was taken to admit her for further observation. The family will keep the public informed of any developments.”
Mandela was on Wednesday visited by her daughter, Zenani Mandela-Dlamini, and other family members had been visiting her regularly since, Dlamini said.
Her other daughter, diplomat Zindziswa Mandela-Hlongwane, has been unable to visit because she is abroad.
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