MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Nelson Mandela Released From Hospital

Nelson Mandela. “Medically there is no need to panic”

Former South African President Nelson Mandela was discharged from Milpark Hospital on Friday and will continue treatment at home.

Acting President Kgalema Motlanthe infomed that Mandela, 92, was released from the hospital and was accompanied by his sister, his wife Graça and his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

On Wednesday, the former President was admitted at Milpark Hospital in order to undergo a series of routine tests common for people of his age. There were many rumours in regards to Mandela's health but he only suffered a respiratory infection.

“Medically there is no need to panic. Dr. Mandela suffers from ailment common to people of his age, and conditions that have developed over years. We may recall that he has suffered from tuberculosis whilst at Pollsmoor and has had previous respiratory infections,” said Motlanthe.

Medical staff at Milpark Hospital determined that the recovery of Mandela was satisfactory and decided to send the former President home, so he can receive home-based care.

The former president was transported back home in a military ambulance. He was followed by nine motorcycles and six police cars. His grandson Mandla thanked South Africans for their support and prayers and confirmed that Mandela was being transported to his home in Houghton.

Mandela served as president of South Africa from 1994 until 1999 and became internationally known as a figure of the anti-apartheid movement. He released a book entitled “Conversations with Myself” last year and was sold in 22 editions and 20 languages.