Mandela jokes as he leaves hospital

FORMER South African president Nelson Mandela went home from hospital yesterday after suffering an acute respiratory infection.

Officials said the 92-year-old was joking with his wife and nurses, and handling the difficulties of old age “with the greatest of grace”.

Surgeon-General Vejaynand Ramlakan told reporters the anti-apartheid icon would now receive care at home after about 48 hours in Johannesburg’s Milpark Hospital.