Mandela gets Christmas wishes, looks 'much better'

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2012/12/2

Mandela gets Christmas wishes, looks 'much better'
10:45a.m. EST December 25, 2012

Doctors are being careful with the former South African leader's health because of his age.

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Former South African leader Nelson Mandela looks "much better" after medical treatment and doctors are pleased with his progress, President Jacob Zuma said after visiting the anti-apartheid icon in a hospital on Christmas Day.

Zuma joined Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, and other family members in wishing a Merry Christmas to Mandela at his bedside, according to the president's office.

"We found him in good spirits," Zuma said in a statement. "He shouted my clan name, Nxamalala, as I walked into the ward! He was happy to have visitors on this special day and is looking much better. The doctors are happy with the progress that he is making."

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Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years under apartheid, the system of white minority rule that was eventually dismantled, opening the way to South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994. Mandela, a Nobel laureate, served one five-year term as president before retiring.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2012/12/25/nelson-mandela/1790347/