Quote:Former South African President Nelson Mandela was discharged from the hospital Saturday, the country's presidential office said, "following a sustained and gradual improvement in his general condition."

Mandela "will now receive home based high care," the statement said.

The 94-year-old, who was South Africa's first black president, was admitted to the hospital on March 27. He has received treatment for a recurring lung infection and pneumonia.

The governing African National Congress welcomed the news.
Nelson Mandela leaves hospital

"Let us continue to keep President Mandela and his family in our prayers as he continues to receive treatment from home," the party said in a statement.

The presidential office did not specify whether Mandela would return to his home in Johannesburg or in his childhood village of Qunu.

Each home is equipped with a mini clinic that can provide 24-hour care as he continues his recovery from this bout of pneumonia.