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South Africa:Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela has gallstones removed – recovering
He was released in 1990 and went on to use his unparalleled prestige and integrity to push for reconciliation between whites and blacks as the bedrock of the post-apartheid “Rainbow Nation”.
He stepped down in 1999 after one term in office and has been largely removed from public life for the last decade.
Mandela spent time in a Johannesburg hospital in 2011 with a respiratory condition, and again in February this year because of abdominal pains. He was released the following day after a keyhole examination showed there was nothing serious.
He has since spent most of his time in Qunu.
His fragile health prevents him from making any public appearances in South Africa, although he has continued to receive high-profile domestic and international visitors, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton in July.
