Former president Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital, the Presidency said.

"President Jacob Zuma wishes to advise that, Mandela was admitted to hospital today, 25 February 2012," it said in a statement.

"Madiba has had a long-standing abdominal complaint and doctors feel it needs proper specialist medical attention."

It was not known which hospital he was taken to.

Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj did not want disclose further information.

"We want to handle the matter with due regard to his privacy. We will give you updates as soon as we have any," he said.

The Presidency wished him a speedy recovery.

", we assure him (Mandela) of the love and good wishes of all South Africans and people throughout the world."

The Presidency asked that Madiba's privacy and that of his family be respected. - Sapa