Mandela,93,in hospital but doctors say no need to panic

Mac Maharaj,Zumas spokesman,said he could not elaborate but that he would be issuing regular updates. The South African military,which had taken charge of Mandelas health care after he was hospitalised last year.

Keith Khoza,spokesman for Mandelas African National Congress,said Zumas office had reassured members of the nations governing party. Mandela just had abdominal pains for some time now and the doctors decided a while ago that perhaps they should admit him,with a view to check those abdominal pains,so it wasnt an emergency admission, Khoza said. Hes fine,hes in good health.

Mandela became South Africas first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for his fight against racist apartheid rule,and he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

Mandelas public appearances have become increasingly rare,though he did appear at the closing ceremony of the World Cup in July 2010.