Issued by: Office of the President
Upon his return from the official visit in Uganda on Monday, 26 January 1998, President Nelson Mandela decided he should undertake a routine medical check. This happened at a Pretoria clinic on Tuesday, 27 Janaury 1998.
On doctor's recommendation and arising from President Mandela's hectic schedule on Monday while in Uganda (the President's schedule in Kampala and Entebbe involved 18hrs of work without a break), as well as his extended travelling during the festive period, it has been decided President Mandela should rest for another two days.
In particular, the President's doctors have been examining and treating his right leg and hip which are strained and causing him pain.
He has another appointment with the doctors at his home today, 28 January 1998. The examination does not involve any other aspect of the President's health; and the doctors are confident that the problem will be easily cleared. Otherwise President Mandela is enjoying good health and will resume his duties in a few days.
On Friday the President will attend Bid celebrations as previously announced; and he will also hold private talks with President Sam Nujoma in Johannesburg. President Nelson Mandela's programme will be re-arranged so that he can, as soon as possible, accommodate the engagements that had to be postponed as a result of the change in his schedule.
The President apologises most sincerely for the inconvenience that this may have caused the various institution and individuals that he had planned to meet.
Issued by the Office of the President 28 January 1998