South Africa's first black President and global icon of the struggle against Apartheid, Nelson Mandela, has been hospitalized Saturday with a recurring lung infection.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN, MAC MAHARAJ, SAYING:<br/> <br />"His condition deteriorated to the point where it was found necessary to hospitalise him. He is in a hospital in Pretoria now. The doctors report as at this morning that his condition is serious but he is stable."<br/> <br />Mandela has suffered respiratory problems ever since he contracted tuberculoses at the notorious Robben Island prison camp near Cape Town.<br/> <br />Mandela served nearly three decades behind bars for conspiring to overthrow the apartheid government.<br/> <br />Widely seen as a unifying figure, Mandela enjoys popularity across South Africa.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) TOURIST IN SOWETO, INNOCENT MAGODZE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Get well soon Papa Madiba, we want you to be well very soon, we miss you."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(English) TOURIST IN SOWETO
