Former South Africa President Nelson Mandela is in a stable condition after undergoing surgery, the BBC is reporting.

Quoting a South African government official, the UK broadcaster said Mr. Mandela, 93, was now  “in good spirits and well”.

“I can assure you that the former president is in good spirits and well,”  Mac Maharaj, a spokesman for President Jacob Zuma, was quoted as saying.

President Zuma’s office had earlier issued a statement saying the anti-apartheid icon was admitted to hospital overnight for  “a long-standing abdominal complaint and doctors feel it needs proper specialist medical attention.”

“We wish him a speedy recovery and assure him of the love and good wishes of all South Africans and people throughout the world

 “We request that all respect the privacy of Madiba and that of his family during this period.”