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Mandela in good health: Zuma

27 February 2012

Nelson Mandela was discharged from hospital on Sunday following his admission the previous day for a planned procedure.

"The doctors have decided to send him home as the diagnostic procedure he underwent did not indicate anything seriously wrong with him," the Presidency in a statement on Sunday.

Earlier, South African President Jacob Zuma said the 93-year-old former president was making good progress.

"He is surrounded by his family and is relaxed and comfortable," Zuma said. "The doctors are happy with the progress he is making.

"We thank all South Africans for their love and support of Madiba. We also thank all for affording Madiba and his family privacy and dignity.

Mandela underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy on Saturday to determine the cause of his longstanding abdominal complaint.

"The doctors have assured us that there is nothing to worry about and that Madiba is in good health", Zuma said.

'He's as fine as can be at his age'

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said there had been nothing wrong with Mandela. "The reason we took him to hospital was he did have a discomfort, on an ongoing basis," Sisulu said.

"The only way we could finally get to the bottom of this was by taking him to hospital and by having a number of tests to find out if in fact was prescribed, what we were giving him was working and whether we could not make it any better, and that is what we would do on a regular basis, as and when we treat him.

"There never was anything wrong with him, he's okay," Sisulu added. "In fact, I looked at some of the pictures that are in the newspapers today and I wished that you had had his most recent picture. He looks very handsome, very healthy."

She said Mandela had undergone diagnostic laparoscopy, which entailed probing for the cause of his discomfort.

"So it wasn't the surgery that was out there in the media, at all," she said.

"He's fine and he's recovering from the anaesthetic. He's as fine as can be at his age. He's fine and handsome."

She said several ministries planned to hold a joint discussion soon with the media on how best to report - in the most responsible and sensitive way - on any further Mandela health matters.

Source: BuaNews