Madiba votes

An election official has confirmed that former president Nelson Mandela has cast an early ballot in upcoming local elections and is looking “healthy and handsome.”

Independent Elections Commission Chairman Brigalia Bam said the 92-year-old statesman and Nobel peace laureate voted privately on Monday at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, under the observation of electoral officials. Mandela has retired from public life.

Bam says Mandela appeared in good health as he cast his vote.

Mandela has not been seen in public since he was admitted to hospital in January with respiratory complications.—Sapa-AP