Nelson Mandela has recovered from his recent illnesses, including surgery to remove gallstones, according to a statement made by the president’s office yesterday.

President Jacob Zuma’s office yesterday announced that the former-president and leader of the anti-apartheid movement had made a good recovery following weeks of national concern for Mandela’s health.

The presidency revealed that doctors are satisfied that Mandela has made “steady progress,” adding that “clinically, he continues to improve”.

Mandela will continue “ to receive high care,” the President’s office assured the nation, noting that Mandela is now well at home, and that his “daily routine is being gradually re-established.”

South Africa’s first black president – who is now 94 years old – was hospitalised in  early December for a recurrence of a lung infection, and other symptoms “consistent with his age”.  Remaining in hospital for some three weeks, he also underwent surgery to remove gallstones in the later phase of his hospital stay, whereafter he was released from hospital on December 26.

Madiba, as South Africans affectionately call the man hailed as the father of the country, now remains at home in the suburbs of Johannesburg, as has been recuperating with family but also receiving guests over the festive season.

News of Mandela’s troubled health in December awoke deep concerns throughout the nation, with many fearing that unrest may break out – the iconic ex-president being the symbol of unity across South Africa, and the population being fiercely attached to the man who brokered the end to apartheid.