South Africa: ‘Mandela is still in hospital’

The Office of the Presidency of South Africa on Saturday denied media reports that global icon Nelson Mandela had returned home.

The media reports had quoted sources as saying that Mandela, the former South African president, had returned to his Johannesburg home after a long hospital stay.

‘The presidency has noted incorrect media reports that former President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital,’ said presidential spokesman, Mac Maharaj.

‘Madiba is still in hospital in Pretoria, and remains in a critical but stable condition. At times his condition becomes unstable, but he responds to medical interventions,” Maharaj said.

Madiba is the former President’s clan name.

Mandela, who marked his 95th birthday last month, was hospitalised on 8 June because of a recurring lung infection.

Earlier this week, Maharaj said he remained in a critical but stable condition, and this remained unchanged.