Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is still in hospital following a second operation on her spine.
|||Johannesburg - Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is still in hospital following a second operation on her spine.
The 79-year-old Struggle stalwart has spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of spaces in the spine, causing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Madikizela-Mandela, who is recovering in a Joburg hospital, had her first surgery on March 8. Neeran Naidoo, the director of communications at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, released a statement yesterday at the request of the Mandela family.
“Her first surgery, for compression of the spinal nerve and pain relief, took place on March 8. It was followed by a second procedure on April 14 to assist with her recovery,” he added.
The family had expressed their appreciation for the support received. “They are grateful for the continuing respect for their privacy.”
At the weekend, President Jacob Zuma wished Madikizela-Mandela a speedy recovery on behalf of the government and the nation.
“We wish Mama Winnie a speedy recovery. We urge the nation to keep her and the Mandela family in their prayers ,” he said.
He called her a “stalwart and courageous heroine of the South African struggle for liberation”.
Naidoo said updates would be given when necessary.
Madikizela-Mandela has received many well-wishes online, including some from celebrities like kwaito star Oskido, who said on Instagram: “Wishing the Mother of our Nation a speedy recovery.” Actress Enhle Mlotshwa also wished her well and tweeted a message of peace to the Mandela family.
The Star