Mandela Leaves Hospital for Intensive Care at Home

Nelson Mandela

By Paul Ohia with agency report

Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital yesterday, but remains critically ill and will receive intensive care at his home, the South African government said.

The 95-year-old had been in hospital for almost three months, receiving treatment for a respiratory illness.
The presidency said in a statement that he “remains critical and is at times unstable” and will be looked after by the same team of intensive care doctors at his Johannesburg home.

“If there are health conditions that warrant another admission to hospital in future, this will be done,” AFP quoted the presidency as stating.

An ambulance with police escort was seen arriving at his suburban home, north of Johannesburg, yesterday morning.
Reacting to his homecoming, Mandela's family expressed joy at his return.

“It is a day of celebration for us that he is finally back home with us," said grandson Mandla Mandela, thanking South Africans and people around the world for their outpouring of support.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) expressed faith in the medical team treating Mandela, saying they believe that "receiving treatment at home will afford him continuous support from his family and loved ones."

For 86, days South Africans have scrutinised every update about the health of their first black president, whether he was living or dying with each sign of progress or each setback.

Separated by deep racial and economic divisions, millions have united in praying for a speedy recovery of a man who for many embodies the best their nation can be.