video transcript

Former South African president Nelson Mandela is doing well after being discharged from hospital - though he hasn't fully recovered yet, says a government spokesman. Mandela, known popularly by his clan name of Madiba, will remain under medical care in his Johannesburg home. (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT SPOKESPERSON MAC MAHARAJ SAYING: " He is not yet fully recovered but he is sufficiently moved forward so that he can be discharged." News of the popular statesman's hospital release was welcomed by local residents. (SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL RESIDENT SERGIO AGOSTINHO SAYING: "He is great man in the world for me am very happy to know that he is out, am very comfortable" (SOUNDBITE) (English) LOCAL RESIDENT PRISCILLA MOOGASE SAYING: "God almighty is great - we thank him very much for our Tata (Mandela) to be out of the hospital." The 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader was admitted to hospital on December 8 - his longest stay since he was released from prison in 1990. He has a history of lung problems dating back to when he contracted tuberculosis while in jail as a political prisoner. Mandela's poor health has prevented him from making any recent public appearances.