Ailing Nelson Mandela Leaves Hospital

Ailing Nelson Mandela Leaves Hospital
Funke Atohengbe, Pretoria

The ailing former South African President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from the Milpark Hospital , Johannesburg .

The 92-year old liberation icon who was admitted to the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon arrived at his home in a special Ambulance flanked by about twenty cars.

Surgeon General of the South Africa Defence Force, Vejaynand Ramlakan told newsmen on Friday that the elder statesman responded well and would continue treatment at home.

Ramlakan said that Mandela recently developed ‘acute respiratory infection' , for which he was treated. He said Mandela would be monitored closely.

Goodwill messages for an icon

Messages of goodwill have been pouring in from different parts of the world to wish the South African leader a speedy recovery.

South African President Jacob Zuma, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland and will later travel to Addis Ababa , Ethiopia for the African Union Summit, sent his good wishes to Nelson Mandela.

A statement from the office of the President said South Africans should accord Mandela's family privacy, respect and dignity.

The statement said Dr. Mandela was comfortable and well looked after.

The South African government has apologised for keeping mum on the true state of health of Dr. Mandela and promised to brief the media from time to time on any further development.

Appreciation

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe expressed gratitude to all well wishers, saying Mandela was in high spirit.

The grandson of the 92-year-old liberation icon, Mandla Mandela also expressed appreciation to the government, South Africans and the international community for the well wishes and concerns shown over the health of his grandfather.

He said the family would ever remain grateful for the prayers and good tidings from all over the world.

They Kept vigil for him

A number of dignitaries, particularly ANC chieftains had spent long hours waiting to know the state of health of the ninety-two year old anti-apartheid icon.

Among the visitors were ANC Spokesman, Jackson Mthembu, Cabinet Ministers, National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu .

His estranged wife, Winnie Mandela was also on hand to comfort the father of her children.

Yinka