Nelson Mandela leaves hospital but he remains 'critical and at times unstable'

Anti-apartheid leader and former South African President Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital and returned home on Sunday after being treated for a recurring lung infection.

President Jacob Zuma's office said the government would like to wish Mr Mandela "all the best" as he continues his recovery at his Johannesburg home.

In a statement, the government said: "Madiba's condition remains critical and is at times unstable. 

'Nevertheless, 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.

'His home has been reconfigured to allow him to receive intensive care there. The health care personnel providing care at his home are the very same who provided care to him in hospital.

'If there are health conditions that warrant another admission to hospital in future, this will be done.'

His condition has fluctuated since he was admitted to hospital in June with a lung infection.

The illness is said to date back to his days in prison during his anti-apartheid campaign.

His family have been hoping that his health would improve sufficiently for him to return to  his specially adapted home in Johannesburg.

Around the time of his birthday in July, it was widely feared that Mandela was close to death.

Crowds kept a vigil outside his hospital in Pretoria and thousands were encouraged to pray for him.

However, he made an unexpected recovery and sources at the start of August said that he was again  well enough to enjoy the company of the friends and family who have been visiting him.

Mandela’s health was said to have improved so much that he was sitting up and watching television in his hospital bed.

South African president Jacob Zuma had urged his country to pray for Mandela and said his predecessor in the role had shown ‘great resilience’.

South African president Jacob Zuma had urged his country to pray for Mandela and said his predecessor in the role had shown great resilience

Mr Mandela's was arrested 51 years ago by South Africa's apartheid authorities, and served 27 years jail served for his black rights activism.

He became the country's first post-apartheid elected leader in 1994.

The location of Mr Mandela's grand family home on the wealthy Johannesburg suburb of Houghton is one of South Africa's worst-kept secrets.

It is frequently visited by media and well-wishers who leave messages for a speedy recovery on painted stones outside the residence.

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