Nelson Mandela turns 95 today and remains in the hospital. The South African government has provided an update on his health, saying that the world icon’s condition is ‘steadily improving.’
In a statement posted on President Jacob Zuma’s website, Zuma wished the first President of South Africa a happy birthday. Mandela is still in a Pretoria hospital and his doctors said that his health is “steadily improving,” according to the statement.
“On behalf of government and all the people of South Africa, we wish Madiba a joyous 95th birthday,” Zuma said in the statement. “We are proud to call this international icon our own as South Africans and wish him good health. We thank all our people for supporting Madiba throughout the hospitalisation with undying love and compassion. We also thank all for responding to the call to give Madiba the biggest birthday celebration ever this year.”
According to the BBC, Mandela’s daughter, Zindzi, echoed his doctors, agreeing that he is making “remarkable progress.” She told the South African Press Association, “We look forward to having him back at home soon.”
Mandela has been hospitalized since June 8.
Today is also Nelson Mandela International Day, in honor of his fight against apartheid. He won the Nobel Peace Prize and became the first black president of South Africa in 1994. There will be a full day of activities and parties in South Africa to honor the man they call Madiba.
“South Africa is a better place today than it was in 1994 and this is because of the contribution made by Madiba and his collective,” ruling party African National Congress said in a statement, notes the AP.
image: Wikimedia Commons
