Pretoria - The African National Congress (ANC) has called on South Africans to remain calm, following former president Nelson Mandela's admission to Milpark Hospital for routine tests.
In a statement, the ruling party also called on the media to stop speculating about Mandela's health and allow the family privacy.
"We appeal, particularly to the media fraternity to refrain from making unfounded and unwarranted speculation in relation to Madiba's health," spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.
Madiba, 92, was admitted into the Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday afternoon for what his foundation described as "routine tests".
No official word has been issued by the hospital, family or government about his condition - sparking speculation about the struggle icon's condition.
"It is a well-known fact that Madiba is 92-years-old and no longer a young man," Mthembu said, adding that South Africans must allow doctors at the hospital to do their best in conducting tests on the elder statesman.
He said Madiba was being well taken care of at the hospital and that South Africans would be informed of any change, including if Mandela were to be discharged from hospital.
Various family members and top ANC officials have been to the hospital, as well as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Madiba's personal assistant Zelda la Grange and long time family friend Jeff Radebe.
Security has been beefed up at the hospital with police manning the entrance. Local and international media have been camping outside the hospital awaiting news of how Mandela is doing.
An army vehicle was spotted arriving at the hospital a short while ago, leading to speculation that he might be moved to another hospital.
Traffic is reported to be backed up around the hospital and children from the surrounding schools have been hanging get well messages at the hospital.
