BBC Learning English
Words in the News

Nelson Mandela remains in hospital
10 June 2013

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Words in the News

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2013

Page 1 of 2

bbclearningenglish.com

Nelson Mandela remains in hospital after being admitted for a lung infection. His
condition is still being described as "serious but stable". Mr Mandela, 94, was admitted to
a Pretoria hospital early on Saturday. Karen Allen reports for the BBC.

As the world's media gathered in Pretoria, where Nelson Mandela is being treated for a

recurrent lung infection, there's been no fresh information about his health status.

Whilst the absence of any official updates did little to help the speculation, many took

heart from a visit by Nelson Mandela's daughter Zindzi, who said that her father was

well and a fighter.

Although Mr Mandela has rallied in the face of past health scares, there is an

increasing acceptance among many South Africans that the former president is frail and

not immortal.

Commentators are now daring to talk of a time without Mandela, urging South Africans to

cherish his enduring achievements: an end to racist white rule and a constitution that

is the envy of the world, as much as the man himself.

Words in the News

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2013

Page 2 of 2

bbclearningenglish.com

Vocabulary and definitions

recurrent

repeating

status

condition

speculation

ideas and discussion about what is happening

took heart

felt comforted (about something)

rallied in the face of

improved, despite difficulties

immortal

living forever

cherish

remember kindly

enduring

long lasting

constitution

set of laws that says how a country is ruled and
particularly about the rights of the people who live
there

Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2013/06/130610_witn_mandela_hospital

Related story:

Nelson Mandela's life and times

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12305154