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Congresswoman Waters Wishes Nelson Mandela A Speedy Recovery

January 1, 2013

Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) released the following statement following the hospitalization of Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa:

"I send my love, prayers and best wishes to Nelson Mandela as he continues to undergo a series of medical tests after he was admitted to the hospital this past weekend. Mandela is one of the world's greatest leaders of our time and has faced adversity on many levels.

"Many have been inspired by Mandela's bravery and courage after he spent 27 years imprisoned in South Africa for his opposition to the racist system of apartheid. Once free, he was elected president of South Africa in the country's first free, multi-racial and democratic elections.

"Nelson Mandela is a true symbol of hope and freedom, a champion of human rights and genuine hero to the world. I'm praying for his fast recovery and his continued presence as an inspiration, not only to South Africa, but to so many individuals and countries around the world."

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