Things are looking up for South Africa's Nelson Mandela, who has at last been released from the hospital after having gallstones removed and spending two weeks under observation, reports Reuters.
Mandela, 94, was a key figure in the nation's anti-apartheid movement and spent 27 years of his adult life in jail as a political prisoner before going on to secure the South African presidency in 1994.
"[Mandela] will undergo home-based high care at his Houghton home until he recovers fully," explains Mac Maharaj, the spokesman for South African President Jacob Zuma. "We thank the public and media for the good wishes and for affording Madiba and the family the necessary privacy."
Zuma himself notes that "The Mandela family truly appreciates all the support they are receiving from the public. That is what keeps them going at this difficult time."
The South African hero was jailed from 1962 to 1990 and went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. The political legend stepped down from the presidency in 1999.
Zuma recounts his visit with Mandela, exclaiming that "We found him in good spirits. He was happy to have visitors on this special day and is looking much better. The doctors are happy with the progress that he is making."
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