Mandela receives treatment for abdominal complaint

Nelson Mandela, 93, South Africa's anti-apartheid icon has undergone successful hernia surgery. This came amid rumors of the ailing health of Madiba, as he is fondly referred to.

"We wish him a speedy recovery and assure him of the love and good wishes of all South Africans and people throughout the world," said President Jacob Zuma in a statement. According to him, Mandela was being treated for a "longstanding abdominal complaint."

Meanwhile, the South African government has assured the public that Mandela's hospital stay was not an emergency.

"People need not panic. This was planned ... Mandela has had abdominal pains for sometime," said Keith Khoza, a spokesman for the ruling African National Congress.

Officials and family declined to name the hospital the former president is undergoing treatment.

It would be noted that rumors of his ailing health recede a bolster, considering fact that he last appeared in public in the closing ceremonies of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

He was hospitalized last year for treatment of an acute respiratory infection, and continued to receive treatment at home after doctors discharged him.

Mandela is expected to be discharged within the next two days.

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