Social media feeds, especially Twitter feeds, started buzzing with a rumour that Nelson Mandela had been admitted to hospital a few hours ago. It appears a DJ just happened to watch a programme airing on E-TV about the year that’s passed, and saw old visuals that prompted him to think Madiba had in fact been hospitalised.

Bob Mabena, managing director at Endow Media and Marketing, and breakfast show host on KayaFM, seems to have started the rumour with this tweet:

@bob959 We need 2 calm down. News is Mandela in hospital; not critical!!!

What he’d in fact seen was recorded footage of Mandela from earlier in the year. Mandela had been treated for an acute respiratory infection, but had been discharged in good health.

The Times newspaper moved quickly and tweeted its followers:

@TimesLIVE Former president Nelson Mandela is in hospital, according to reports. Watch this space for more information.

It didn’t take long for someone to responsibly verify whether Madiba had in fact been hospitalised or not. Mandy Wiener, of Eyewitness News:

@MandyWiener Nothing like a spot of rumour mongering and social media panic to get the day started. Source at NMF says Madiba is not in hospital

And followed it up with this:

@MandyWiener There should be laws against extreme irresponsibility and stupidity on Twitter.

Katy Katopodis was also quick on the draw:

@KatyKatopodis We must always tread with caution around issues of #Madiba’s health.Unsubstantiated rumours that he’s ill are extremely irresponsible!

Bob will probably take a lot of abuse throughout the day, including retorts like this one from Sam Mkokeli:

@MSMKOKELI Hey @bob959 are you tweeting from Sterkfontein Mental hospital? Happy easter to you too.

Bob has since issued an apology for his rumour mongering:

@bob959 Was called in studio 2 watch eNews. Saw live visuals & tweeted. It was reruns. Stupid mistake. Shud’ve confirmed. Apologies

As did @TimesLIVE:

@TimesLIVE: Mandela is not in hospital. We apologise for following up an incorrect lead.

Facts are important when reporting on such matters, Bob, and others.

[Source: Twitter]