Mandela spends first day home

A statement from the South African president's office said:

Nelson Mandela has been released from hospital according to Reuters quoting African Government sources.

Nelson Mandela's wife Graca Machel has said that the former South African president is recovering well.

Speaking at the Ubuntu Awards and Dialogue in Johannesburg, she said:

"Everything is fine, and he's getting better and better, he is hospital simply simply because the doctors want to be absolutely sure that he is strong enough to go home and that nothing is going to recur, thank you very very very much for lifting him up, God is listening"

South African President Jacob Zuma has visited former President Nelson Mandela in hospital today, and received and update on his improved condition. After the visit he said:

"Madiba is stable and we are thankful that he is responding well to treatment and that he is much better. We remain thankful for all the support to the family during this difficult time."

Nelson Mandela is responding "satisfactorily" to treatment and is making "stead progress," the South African Presidency has announced.

A statement on its website says: "President Nelson Mandela continues to make steady improvement in hospital.

"His doctors say he continues to respond satisfactorily to treatment and is much better now than he was when he was admitted to hospital on the 27th of March 2013.

"He has been visited by family and continues to make steady progress."

The granddaughter of the former South African leader Nelson Mandela has thanked the nation for their prayers. Ndileka Mandela joined thousands of people at a special thanksgiving service on Easter Sunday.

South African President Jacob Zuma thanked those who have prayed for Nelson Mandela at various Easter church services during the weekend.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela has had a "restful day" and his condition has improved further, according to a government statement.