Former president Nelson Mandela arrived back at his Houghton home on Sunday morning after a long stay in hospital.
A large media contingent was gathered outside to watch his return, and police were present.
Two ambulances were seen at his home, in a suburb of Johannesburg. One was parked outside, marked as belonging to the SA Military Health Service. A second left the residence, marked Netcare911, a private service.
The presidency announced earlier that he had been discharged from the Medi-Clinic Heart hospital in Pretoria on Sunday, after being admitted on June 8 for a recurring lung infection.
“Former President Nelson Mandela has this morning… [1 September] been discharged from the Pretoria hospital where he has been receiving treatment,” said presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj in a statement.
He said Mandela’s condition remained critical and “at times unstable.”
“Nevertheless, his team of doctors are convinced that he will receive the same level of intensive care at his Houghton home that he received in Pretoria.”
Maharaj said Mandela’s home had been reconfigured to ensure he receives the correct care, and the same staff who had been at the hospital would now care for him at home.
“Despite the difficulties imposed by his various illnesses, he, as always, displays immense grace and fortitude,” said Maharaj.
“We would like to wish him all the best as he continues his recovery at his Johannesburg home.”