Johannesburg - The National Freedom Party joined other political parties in welcoming the news of former president Nelson Mandela's discharge from hospital on Sunday.
NFP President Zanele KaMagwaza Msibi, who claimed to have visited Mandela in hospital last month, said the news of his release was positive amid speculation on his condition.
“As I have said before, South Africa and the world still needs Mandela’s wisdom and we are happy to learn about his discharge from hospital. We wish him a recovery so that he will continue being the symbol of unity and reconciliation within our nation and the world at large,” KaMagwaza Msibi said in a statement.
Mandela was admitted to the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria on June 8 with a recurring lung infection.
The Presidency said in a statement on Sunday that Mandela would receive intensive care treatment at his home, with the same hospital staff relocating to his house.
Earlier, the African National Congress also welcomed the news that Mandela was finally going home after spending almost three months in hospital.
“We believe that receiving treatment at home will afford him continuous support from his family and loved ones,” said party spokesman Jackson Mthembu.
The DA also expressed its joy at Mandela's return home.
“We are happy that Madiba is able to return to the comfort of his home,” said Democratic Alliance spokesman Mmusi Maimane.
“We thank his medical team for everything they have done thus far and will continue to do.”
Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said Mandela's condition remained critical and “at times unstable”. - Sapa