Mandela now being treated at home

Former President Nelson Mandela has spent his first night back at his Houghton home after being discharged from hospital on Sunday.

The Presidency confirmed on Sunday morning that Madiba was finally going home after spending nearly three months at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria for a recurring lung infection.

A statement issued by the Presidency followed media speculation on Saturday that the former President was going home.

The presidency said the statesman will continue receiving treatment at his Houghton home.

But despite being discharged, the presidency said Madiba’s condition still remains serious and unstable at times and the possibility that he may be readmitted hasn't been ruled out.

The 95-year-old former president's home has been furnished with all the medical equipment needed to treat him.

The presidency also called on members of the public to allow Mandela and his family the necessary private space so that his continuing care can proceed with dignity and without unnecessary intrusion.

Well wishes

Mandela's eldest grandson Mandla said he's delighted his grandfather is back home.

Mandla said his grandfather's return home proves that claims by other family members that Madiba is in a vegetative state aren't true.

At the same time, the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory says it is pleased that the statesman has been discharged from hospital and is home with his family.

The centre's Sello Hatang also encouraged the nation to continue Madiba's legacy.

"We should all be praying for Madiba until he fully recovers, but also continue to do our bit to bring change to our communities not just on Mandela Day, but everyday."

Political parties such as the ANC and United Democratic Movement (UDM) have extended well wishes for Madiba and also thanked the South African public for their continued support.

The ANC's Khusela Sangoni-Khawe said, "The ANC is grateful for the support that South Africans and the whole world have given Madiba and his family. We wish him all the best and hope he'll fully recover soon."

UDM Leader Bantu Holomisa welcomed the global icon's recovery.

Holomisa said the UDM wishes the former President a speedy recovery.

"The UDM along with the Mandela family, South Africans and the rest of the world in welcoming Madiba back home and we wish him well."