Nelson Mandela taken to hospital

Nelson Mandela taken to hospital as family visits spark growing fears for his health

Frail: Nelson Mandela'slast public appearance at the World Cup Final in July, when he toured the stadium in a buggy while joined by wife Graça Machel, who visited him in hospital yesterday as he underwent 'routine tests'

Nelson Mandela was taken to hospital yesterday amid fears about the failing health of the first black president of South Africa first.
Spokesmen for the 92-year-old, who has appeared increasingly fragile recently, insisted that the visit was for "routine tests."
But his arrival at Johannesburg Milpark hospital in an ambulance yesterday afternoon was followed by a stream of family members, including his wife Graca Machel, 65.

Interest: Film crews and press photographers outside Milpark Hospital

Several grandchildren and great grandchildren also visited him, prompting speculation that his condition was worse than first reported.

Earlier, Archbishop Desmond Tutu weighed into the debate saying that his former comrade in the struggle against white rule appeared "frail" when they met last week.
Mandela has not been seen in public since his brief appearance before the World Cup final six months ago while driving in a buggy instead of walking onto the field at the Soccer City stadium in Soweto, the township where still has a house.
Last night Nelson Mandela Foundation said: "We can confirm that Nelson Mandela is in the Milpark hospital to undergo routine tests. He is not in danger and is in good spirits."
In the hospital parking lot was erected a cordon around the family car, giving in private life.
Earlier this month, a report released worldwide on Twitter network that the statesman had died.
He was convicted as malicious and insensitive by the ruling African National Congress, of which Mandela was the leader.
However, sources close to the family have confirmed privately that his health had deteriorated in recent months.
It is widely reported in South Africa that Mr. Mandela is suffering from age-related dementia.
Since its release in 1990 after 27 years in prison, Mandela has been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer.
Six years ago, announced his retirement from public life. His health had been declining, and he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Since then he has appeared only rarely in public and rarely discussed.
Access to the iconic freedom fighter is strictly controlled by his family and staff.
Mandela, who was president between 1994 and 1999, retired from public life in 2004.

Tests: Milpark Hospital last night where Mr Mandela was said to be in good spirits

Since then, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Fund for Children and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation has been created to continue the work of charity in his name.

During his brief appearance in the World Cup last July cut a figure extremely fragile, with a slim frame and white hair.
At that time, Mr. Mandela was still mourning the sudden death of her granddaughter in a car accident and had refused all requests to meet visiting heads of state and celebrities who came to South Africa for the tournament in a month duration.