Nelson Mandela Could Be Discharged From Hospital

Nelson Mandela could be discharged from the hospital more than a month after he was first admitted for a lung infection. The former South African president was listed in critical condition and it is unclear if his condition has changed.

The report came from another former South African president, Thabo Mbeki, who was speaking at a memorial service on Saturday.

Mbeki predicted that Mandela could be discharged from the hospital soon, so that he can recuperate from his lung infection at home.

The comments from Mbeki also came after Nelson Mandela’s wife, Graca Machel, stated on Friday that her husband is responding to treatment. She added that he remains in critical, but stable condition.

Mandela’s lung problems stem from the 27 years he spent in prison during apartheid in South Africa. While at a labor camp, he 94-year-old contracted tuberculosis, which caused permanent damage to his lungs.

The anti-apartheid activist was released in 1990 and became the first black president to be elected when he won an all-races election in 1994.

The former South African president’s health has been watched closely this year, as he has been in and out of the hospital numerous times for the lung infection. His latest stay began on June 8 when he was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Since then, people in South Africa and across the world have expressed concern for Nelson Mandela’s health.

Rumors flew two weeks ago after Mandela’s condition became critical that the former president had died. However, doctors, Mandela’s wife, and current President Jacob Zuma have all denied the rumors.

If Mbeke is correct, then Nelson Mandela could be released from the hospital in time for his 95th birthday, which will happen on July 18 However, it is unclear why doctors would release the former president if his condition is still listed as critical.

Given his condition, it is not likely Mandela will be released from the hospital soon.