Family blamed for Mandela 'release'

Confusion reigned yesterday after two international news networks said former president Nelson Mandela had been discharged from hospital while the Presidency denied this.

Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj insisted that Mandela was still in hospital, where he remained in a "stable but critical condition".

Yesterday morning CNN, BBC and Sky News ran "breaking news" of the global icon's return to his Houghton home.

The story sent panic waves in newsrooms across the world as reporters rushed to the Presidency for confirmation.

Maharaj issued a statement denying Mandela had been discharged, and the major networks retracted the story.

Maharaj said he was told by reporters of both BBC and Sky News that their source was "a very reliable person in the family".

He said the Presidency did not know what the motive behind the false story was.

"I have issued a statement on the matter that the former president is still in hospital ... I think now the story is being run by both BBC and Sky News to justify their mistake."

The Presidency has proved to be the most reliable source since Mandela was hospitalised in June with a recurring lung infection.

Maharaj said although there had been "slight improvements" in Mandela's health since his hospitalisation, it did become unstable at times.

A government insider said Mandela's doctors reviewed his case every 12 hours depending on his condition.

"They [Mandela's doctors] inform the Presidency every time they are going to do something significant," said the government source.

Although a few journalists camped outside Mandela's Houghton home, there was not much activity. There was no police presence and no sight of medical personnel. Mandela's grandson Ndaba was spotted coming in and out of the house yesterday afternoon.

Mandela was rushed to hospital in the early hours of June 8 after he experienced breathing problems.

This has been Mandela's longest stay in hospital since his health deteriorated in 2011.

In December last year, Mandela spent almost three weeks in hospital being treated for a recurring lung infection and also had gallstones removed. He was again admitted in March this year. - Additional reporting by Monica Laganparsad