Nelson Mandela has successful knee surgery

Jet, Oct 7, 1996

South African President Nelson Mandela recently underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure that was performed on his right knee. He was expected to resume his normal duties within a few days.

A spokesperson said the knee operation repaired damage incurred during his years in prison, where he served 27 years for standing up and fighting against the apartheid-led government.

Mandela was imprisoned near Cape Town after he was convicted of sabotage and conspiracy and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

The much-admired leader, who is 78, has had a series of mostly minor physical problems since his release from prison on Feb. 11, 1990.

He was elected president in 1994.