Pretoria - The medical panel attending to former President Nelson Mandela is satisfied with the progress the elder statesman has made to the extent that he has been discharged from hospital.
South African National Defence Force Surgeon General Vejaynand Ramlakan announced on Friday that the 92-year-old was in good spirits, and could return to his Houghton home to receive home-based care.
All that remains is for arrangements to be made, regarding his security.
"At present, Dr Mandela is in high spirits and is being visited by family and friends," Ramlakan said.
The former President was admitted to Milpark Hospital on Wednesday for normal routine tests. Ramlakan said the elder statesman had recently developed an acute respiratory infection, for which he had received treatment, to which he had responded well.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe reiterated that there was no need for South Africans to fear for Madiba's health. "He is in good health," said the Deputy President, who is acting President while President Jacob Zuma travels to Addis Ababa to attend the African Union Summit.
"We should remain calm and continue with our prayers that Madiba should be with us to celebrate his 93rd birthday and beyond," he said.
