Pretoria - "On behalf of the Mandela family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the support that we received from all South Africans and the international community."
This was the heartfelt statement made by Nelson Mandela's grandson, Mandla Mandela, at a press conference a short while ago, announcing that the former President Nelson Mandela had been discharged from hospital.
"We also wish to thank the government and the acting President Motlanthe, as well as the Defence Force for the role they have played in ensuring that this routine check up was successful," he said.
Former President Nelson Mandela was earlier discharged from the Milpark Hospital and returned to his Houghton home to receive home-based care, after being admitted on Wednesday.
Mandla explained that as a family, they were used to these routine check ups, although "there was a lot of anxiety".
He said Madiba had been surrounded by family when he was in Qunu, where he spent his Christmas holidays, in Cape Town and now when he was admitted to Milpark.
Mandla said that as Madiba grew older he continued to display a great sense of humour - this was something that the family enjoyed.
He said it was with great joy that the family had received the news that Madiba was being discharged.
"We thank the general public for their prayers and support. We hope this will continue in future."
