Nelson Mandela discharged from hospital after treatment for pneumonia

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from Pretoria hospital after treatment for pneumonia, the government has announced.

Nelson Mandela, 94, was admitted on March 27 for a recurring infection of the lungs and had fluid drained from them.

He served as South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999 and is regarded by many as the father of the nation.

Nelson Mandela led the struggle against apartheid (white minority rule) and in 1993 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The South African presidency statement read: “Former President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital today, 6 April, following a sustained and gradual improvement in his general condition.

“The former president will now receive home-based high care. President [Jacob] Zuma thanks the hard working medical team and hospital staff for looking after Madiba so efficiently.”

Madiba is Nelson Mandela’s clan name.

The statement continued: “[Jacob Zuma] also extended his gratitude to all South Africans and friends of the Republic in Africa and around the world for support.”

Nelson Mandela has returned to his home in the Houghton district of Johannesburg.

Nelson Mandela stepped down as president in 1999 and acted as a high-profile ambassador for the country until he retired from public life in 2004.

His latest stay in hospital was his fourth in two years.