Nelson Mandela OK Following Surgery

Nelson Mandela

12:21 pm, February 25th, 2012

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Nelson Mandela underwent successful hernia surgery on Saturday.

The South African hero and global icon’s health was the subject of renewed online rumors when he was admitted to a hospital, but government officials say Mandela’s procedure was planned and that there is no reason for “panic.”

President Jacob Zuma’s office released a statement describing Mandela as “comfortable” and in “satisfactory condition” after the operation.

“We are happy that he is not in any danger and thank the doctors for their hard work and professionalism,” added the statement from Zuma.

Family members have said they expect the 93-year-old Mandela to be discharged within days.

The former president and longtime apartheid opponent has not appeared in public since the 2010 World Cup.

Rumors about Mandela’s health – and even intermittent death hoaxes – have created panics in the past.

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