Nelson Mandela Discharged From Hospital

Anti-Apartheid icon and former South African president, Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital to his Johannesburg home according to the South African presidency website.

He was officially discharged today after South African officials had earlier denied reports that Mandela had already been discharged.
The statement says Mr Mandela condition remains critical and at times unstable.

Mandela, commonly referred to by his clan name, ‘Madiba’ had been hospitalised since June 8 with a recurring lung infection that has been afflicting him since his prison days.

“His team of doctors are convinced that he will receive the same level of intensive care at his Houghton home that he received in Pretoria [hospital],” the presidency statement says.

It says his home in the suburb of Houghton has been “reconfigured to allow him to receive intensive care there” and he will be treated by the same health care personnel who have been looking after him since 8 June.

If necessary, he will be readmitted to hospital, the statement also says.

On Saturday, sources close to Mr Mandela told the BBC and other international media that he had already returned home.
This was denied by South Africa’s presidency, which handles all communications about the former leader’s health.

“It is a day of celebration for us, that he is finally back home with us,” said his grandson, Mandla Mandela.

Mr Mandela’s lung condition is said to result from the tuberculosis he contracted during the 27 years he spent in prison for taking up arms against white minority rule.

He has been hospitalised four times in the past year and his latest stay lasted 84 days.

His last public appearance was at the 2010 football World Cup, which South Africa hosted.