Mrs Mandela `being treated for stress'

Johannesburg (AFP) - Winnie Mandela was yesterday admitted to a private hospital here suffering from stress, sources close to her said. Linksfield Park Clinic, where she is believed to be, refused to comment.

On Monday she resigned as Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology shortly before her official dismissal was to come into effect. She sounded hoarse and looked ill but aides said she had flu.

She was sacked by her estranged husband, President Nelson Mandela, on 27 March but, seizing on legal loopholes, she sued for reinstatement. She was reinstated last Wednesday but the President sacked her again two days later, saying her appointment would be terminated yesterday.

In a face-saving gesture she resigned on Monday but made clear she would continue fighting the government, saying the bungled dismissal was "irregular and unconstitutional".

Reports on Tuesday said Mrs Mandela has taken legal advice on her second sacking and was convinced that her dismissal was again legally invalid and unconstitutional.