Mandela Released From SA Hospital

Former South African president Nelson Mandela

FRAIL Nelson Mandela laughed and joked with visitors as he left a South African hospital today.

The former South African president, 92, was returning home after responding well to treatment for a respiratory infection.

He was rushed to hospital on Wednesday after being taken very ill with a "persistent cough".

But today the anti-apartheid icon was seen laughing with his wife and nurses as he was taken home.

Officials said Mandela was handling the difficulties of old age "with the greatest grace."

Surgeon-General Vejaynand Ramlakan told reporters he would now receive care at home.

Mr Ramlakan said: "At present, Dr Mandela is in high spirits and has been visited by his family and friends.

"Medically, at present, there is no need to panic.

"He recently developed an acute respiratory infection for which he received treatment and has responded very well.

"He is stable but will be monitored closely.
"We may recall that he suffered from tuberculosis. He has had previous respiratory tract infections. He is also not as mobile as before."

The top surgeon added: "Despite all of this, his amazing positive attitude allows him to cope with the difficulties of age with grace.

"At this stage, the medical panel is satisfied with his recovery, and he will be discharged to receive home-based care at his home."

The former leader's grandson Mandla Mandela said: "It comes to us this afternoon with great joy to hear that he's been discharged."

A convoy of security vehicles and a military ambulance took Mandela to his nearby home.

Earlier, President Jacob Zuma appealed to the nation for calm.

He said in a statement: "President Mandela is comfortable and is well looked after by a good team of medical specialists."

A spokesman for the ruling African National Congress added: "He is 92 and will have ailments associated with his age."

Mandela, who retired in 2004, has not appeared in public since last year's World Cup final.

In the 1980s he was treated for tuberculosis and later had an operation to repair damage to his eyes. He had prostate cancer in 2001.