The Presidency has warned South Africans against rumours on social media that spread false information about Nelson Mandela’s health.

Networks such as Twitter and Facebook have been flooded by speculation about Madiba’s health since he entered a Pretoria hospital 17 days ago for a recurrent lung infection.

Mac Maharaj, the Presidential Spokesperson:

We urge South Africans to reflect on the pain these rumours have caused the Mandela family. The social media networks are a reality we cannot wish away, but can’t allow it to control our lives and allow ourselves to be driven by the false information it’s carrying.

Maharaj also called for more voices of reason

Why are there no voices raised in our society against the human depravity manifested in such rumours? It has become a matter of concern. Is it not time for all of us to look at ourselves in the mirror?

Admittedly, it is a bit difficult to put our complete trust in a government that have been caught out lying about Madiba’s health earlier this month.

[Source: EWN]