Mandela leaves hospital for 'high care' at home

JOHANNESBURG: Nelson Mandela has left hospital after a 10-day stay during which the anti-apartheid icon was treated for pneumonia and will now receive "high care" at home, the South African government said.

His release was decided "following a sustained and gradual improvement in his general condition," presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement Saturday.

An ambulance and black security vehicle arrived at the Johannesburg home of the frail 94-year-old, where the government said the former president will continue to receive "high care".

Mandela was rushed to an undisclosed hospital on March 27, suffering from a recurrence of a lung infection.

Doctors, who later said the infection was pneumonia, drained a build-up of fluid, known as a pleural effusion or "water on the lungs", that had developed.

His discharge from hospital would bring relief to millions of South Africans who regard him as the father of democracy in their country.

South African President Jacob Zuma on Saturday extended his gratitude to his compatriots, the hospital staff and people around the world for their support.

"President Zuma thanks the hard-working medical team and hospital staff for looking after Madiba so efficiently," a presidency statement said, using Mandela's clan name.

It was the third time in five months that Mandela has been hospitalised. (AFP)