PRETORIA, South Africa — South Africa's defense minister has visited former President Nelson Mandela in the hospital and has said he is "doing very, very well."
Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula visited Mandela on Monday at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. She said the nation must keep Mandela "in our prayers."
Government officials have said the 94-year-old anti-apartheid icon is "comfortable" and receiving medical care that is "consistent with his age." The nation's military has been responsible for Mandela's medical care since 2011.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison for fighting racist white rule. He became South Africa's first black president in 1994 and served one five-year term. He has since retired from public life.
Mandela made his last public appearance in 2010. He has grown increasingly frail in recent years.
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