Nelson Mandela 'doing well' in hospital in South Africa

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital after suffering from a lung infection.

He was taken to hospital on Wednesday night.

His doctors say he is doing well and responding to treatment.

Nelson Mandela is one of the most famous men in the world and a hero to many.

The 94-year-old's health has caused concern for some time.

In December he spent 18 days in hospital for treatment for a similar infection.

Who is Nelson Mandela?

Mr Mandela was elected president of South Africa in the country's first democratic elections in 1994. he was in ofice till 1999.
Mandela has received international acclaim for his anti-colonial and anti-apartheid stance, having received over 250 awards, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize.

He spent a lot of his life in prison after protesting against the way South Africa was ruled, a system called 'apartheid' which kept white and black people apart.

It meant that black people in South Africa had fewer rights and couldn't vote. White people controlled what jobs black people could have and even where they lived.They couldn't attend the same places (schools, churches, supermarkets, buses,etc.) the white population attended. Black people lived in very poor areas away from the white community.

Mandela is now seen across the world as being responsible for helping to end apartheid. He is one of the most respected former presidents still alive, an example for many.

Long live Mr. Mandela! 

Adapted from CBBC