Cape Town, Jan 18 (IANS) The African National Congress (ANC) has criticised rumours that said former South African president, 92-year-old Nelson Mandela had died.
"The ANC strongly condemns those people or groups who are behind such false rumours, trying to create a climate of anxiety and panic in the country," spokesman Jackson Mthembu was quoted as saying by Prensa Latina.
He described as "heartless people" those who spread such rumours.
According to the party, the rumour released on social networking website Twitter, was "not only malevolent, but also insensitive" to Mandela's family and all of South Africa.
Mandela, who was president of South Africa during 1994-1999, retired from public life a few years ago.
The Mandela Foundation also refuted the rumours, saying that he was in good health and was enjoying a vacation.