South Africans pray for Mandela

  • 11 years ago
UPSOT SINGING

South African Catholics praise God through song at this church in Soweto.

But they are also praying for the health of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.

The 94-year-old was hospitalized Saturday, and although officials say there is no need to panic, they are still offering their prayers.

(English) REGINA MUNDI CATHOLIC CHURCH PRIEST, FATHER BENEDICT MAHLANGU, SAYING:

"Tata (Nelson Mandela), we are praying for your speedy recovery and do remember that Soweto is always with you and your family."

This well wisher says she hopes the freedom fighter will see a speedy recovery.

Mandela is being treated in a hospital in the capital Pretoria, though officials have yet to say why.

South Africa's first black president was also admitted to hospital in December with a lung infection after surgery to remove gallstones.

It was his longest hospitalization since he was freed from prison in 1990 after 27 years in jail.