Doctors say Mandela has recovered

Nelson Mandela has ‘recovered' from recent surgery and a lung infection, a health scare that had put South Africa on edge as the anti-apartheid hero spent nearly three weeks in hospital, the presidency said Sunday, citing his doctors.

The 94-year-old Mandela "has recovered from his surgical procedure and the lung infection, his doctors said today," said a statement from President Jacob Zuma's office.

Recuperating: Nelson Mandela spent most of December in hospital - his longest stay since being released from prison in 1990.u00a0File Pic

"The medical (examination) said president Mandela has made steady progress and that clinically, he continues to improve," it said.

The revered leader has been recuperating at his Johannesburg home since he was discharged from hospital the day after Christmas, which was the longest he had been hospitalised since his release from 27 years of apartheid prison in 1990.

"He had undergone an operation to remove gallstones last month and was also troubled by a recurring lung infection," said the presidency.

"He continues to receive high care at his Houghton home and his daily routine is being gradually re-established." On Thursday, Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela said that South Africa's first black president who steered the country into democracy "is healed and is stronger than before".

The former statesman was flown to a Pretoria hospital on December 8 from his childhood home in Qunu, prompting an outpouring of prayers and wishes for his health.

"President Zuma extended good wishes to Madiba on his recovery and once again assured him of the love and support of all South Africans," the presidency said, referring to Mandela by his clan name as he is affectionately known.
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