Nelson Mandela Hospitalized

Family Ask that Mandela's Privacy be Respected

South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela has been hospitalized with a stomach ailment, according to a government statement issued Saturday.

The 93-year-old anti-apartheid icon "has had a long-standing abdominal complaint and doctors feel it needs proper specialist medical attention," President Jacob Zuma said in the statement. Zuma asked that Mandela's privacy be respected.

Last year, Mandela was hospitalized for a few days with an acute respiratory infection. 

Black history note: Mandela became South Africa's first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for his fight against racist apartheid rule, and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

Mandela currently resides at his home in Qunu, in the southwestern region of South Africa where he was raised.

The statement did not say at which hospital Mandela was being treated.

Our prayers are with you Mandela.