Post date: Jan 28, 2011 12:47:10 PM
An ambulance takes former South African president Nelson Mandela home after a two-day stay in a Johannesburg hospital.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (JANUARY 28, 2011) REUTERS - Former South African President Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital on Friday (January 28) after being treated for a respiratory infection, officials said.
Ninety-two year old Mandela was admitted to hospital on Wednesday (January 26), prompting fears for the anti-apartheid icon who led South Africa as its first black president and is revered at home and abroad as a symbol of reconciliation and hope.Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said "Madiba is well," referring to Mandela's clan name. He added there was no need to panic and Mandela was receiving excellent treatment.
Mandela was diagnosed with tuberculosis in the 1980s while he was jailed and later had an operation to repair damage to his eyes. In 2001 he had treatment for prostate cancer. He was released from prison in 1990 after 27 years imprisonment.
South African President Jacob Zuma and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party appealed for calm after the hospitalisation set off speculation in local media about Mandela's health and brought family members and dignitaries rushing to the hospital.