Concern Over Madiba's Health Grows As He Goes Back To Hospital

There was widespread concern saturday as former South African president Nelson Mandela went back to the hospital. His country’s government through presidential spokesman, Mac Maharaj, said his medical condition was serious this time.

The 94-year-old anti-apartheid hero and the country's first black president was taken to hospital early saturday for a recurring lung infection. "The situation is serious this time but doctors have assured us he is comfortable," Maharaj told television station eNCA.

Maharaj, however, said that the anti-apartheid icon is breathing on his own.

Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, is at the hospital with him. She canceled her plans to attend the Hunger Summit in London.

South Africa's first black president gets round-the-clock care, and his house is retrofitted with medical equipment that mirrors that of an intensive care unit.