Mandela hospitalized for tests 'consistent with his age,' South Africa says From prisoner to liberator, Nelson Mandela's fight for equality in South Africa serves as a shining example of justice and peace. Here's a look at the pivotal moments in the life of South Africa's first black president. JOHANNESBURG -- Former South African president Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital on Saturday for medical tests, although the government said there was no cause for alarm. A statement from President Jacob Zuma's office gave no details of the condition of the 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader. "Former President Mandela will receive medical attention from time to time which is consistent with his age," the statement said. "President Zuma assures all that Madiba is doing well and there is no cause for alarm," it added, referring to Mandela by his clan name. Mandela, who became South Africa's first black president after the country's first all-race elections in 1994, was admitted to hospital in February because of abdominal pain but released the following day after a keyhole examination showed there was nothing seriously wrong with him. View images of civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, who went from anti-apartheid activist to prisoner to South Africa's first black president. He has since spent most of his time in his ancestral home in Qunu, a village in the impoverished Eastern Cape province. His frail health prevents him from making any public appearances in South Africa, although in the last few months he has continued to receive high-profile visitors, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton.