Nelson Mandela is being treated in hospital today for an 'abdominal complaint', South African president Jacob Zuma revealed.
He said the former leader, 93, needs specialist-care for the 'long-standing' medical problem.
Mr Mandela is in 'good health' for his age and the treatment is believed to be routine.
He receives daily medical check-ups so it is likely that any medical problem was spotted early by doctors.
Mr Mandela is in a stable condition after under-going surgery and 'in good spirits', the BBC reported.
Officials have not revealed where he is being treated - but it is believed to be the military hospital in Pretoria.
Mandela's oldest granddaughter Ndileka Mandela told AFP that she wasn't worried about his hospital admission..
'I don't see it as a big thing. He's in perfect health. When I saw him on Wednesday, he was in good spirits, in perfect health, and, you know, the epitome of health really for a man of his age' she said.
'I'm not worried. I mean grandad rebounded from his illness last year. I don't see any reason why this should be any different.'
Mr Mandela was hospitalised for three days in January last year after suffering an acute respiratory infection.
There were claims that his health was much worse than officials were admitting although he later recovered.
Despite returning to his Johannesburg home, he has rarely been seen in public since the scare last year.
In May he was given special dispensation to vote early in South Africa's elections amid fears for his condition.
A statement from the South African presidency said today: 'President Jacob Zuma wishes to advise that former President Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital today.
'Madiba has had a long-standing abdominal complaint and doctors feel it needs proper specialist medical attention.
'We wish him a speedy recovery and assure him of the love and good wishes of all South Africans and people throughout the world.
'We request that all respect the privacy of Madiba and that of his family during this period.'
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