World News

Officials: Ill Nelson Mandela making progress

Posted: 12/12/12 at 7:45 am EST

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- South Africa's former President Nelson Mandela has "made progress" as doctors in a military hospital continue to treat him for a lung infection, said officials.

Mandela's doctors "are satisfied with the way he is responding to treatment," said a statement issued Wednesday by the office of President Jacob Zuma.

The 94-year-old leader is being treated at 1 Military Hospital near South Africa's capital, Pretoria. He's been there for five days.

Mandela has a history of lung problems. In January 2011, he was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital for an acute respiratory infection. He also contracted tuberculosis while in prison.

Mandela is revered for being a leader of the struggle against racist white rule in South Africa. He served one five-year term as president before retiring from public life.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Latest Video