A fitness training programme from Mauritius is the reason former president Nelson Mandela did not attend his successor’s State of the Nation address at Parliament on Friday.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said in a statement the former president had called President Thabo Mbeki to wish him well, and apologised for not being able to attend the address.
”Mr Mandela recently returned from a two-week holiday with his family in Mauritius. During the stay … Mr Mandela was introduced to a fitness training programme, which resulted in him being able to walk without the use of a cane, or human assistance.”
On his return home to Johannesburg, Mandela had continued the programme.
”His family and staff are very excited about the progress, and are ensuring that Mr Mandela has as much time as possible to continue with this programme at home…”
The programme required Mandela exercise daily without interruption, ”and for this reason he decided to remain in Johannesburg, and not travel to Cape Town for the opening of Parliament”, the statement said. – Sapa