One of the world’s most renowned leaders and South Africa’s first black President Nelson Mandela has decided to withdraw from public engagements and appearances. Rumors and speculations about 91 year old Mandela health were put to rest after the announcement by Nelson Mandela Foundation. The statement said that icon of anti-apartheid movement was doing well and would take much needed rest to do things he enjoyed doing in retired life.

Nelson Mandela had cut down public engagements ever since his retirement some five years ago but last week there were rumors that leader was extremely ill and media speculations went to the extent of his funeral plan and coverage. The much awaited official announcement ended all speculations.

Last week Hollywood actor Charlize Theron went to the extent of auctioning off meeting with the leader at a charity event for some $140,000. Nelson Mandela Foundation rebuked the actor for her publicity stunt. It is sad indeed that a leader of stature of Nelson Mandela should suffer such publicity at his age. Public memory is very short and these publicity stunts and rumors will be short lived. History and people of South Africa will remember Nelson Mandela for right reasons.

Via Guardian