Johannesburg (CNN) -- The South African president's
office said Saturday that Nelson Mandela remains hospitalized,
contradicting earlier reports that he had returned home.
Two sources close to Mandela told CNN on Saturday that he had returned to his Johannesburg home after a long hospital stay.
After reports by various media outlets, the president 's office issued a statement.
"The presidency has noted
incorrect media reports that former President Nelson Mandela has been
discharged from hospital," the statement said. "Madiba is still in
hospital in Pretoria, and remains in a critical but stable condition. At
times his condition becomes unstable, but he responds to medical
interventions."
Madiba is the revered leader's clan name.
Before releasing the statement, the president's office declined to comment when CNN called to confirm reports from the sources.
Mandela, 95, was
hospitalized June 8 because of a lung infection. He marked his July
birthday at the Pretoria hospital where he has been surrounded by
relatives.
The frail icon has not
appeared in public for years, but he retains his popularity as the
father of democracy and emblem of the nation's fight against apartheid.
Mandela became an
international figure while enduring 27 years in prison for fighting
against apartheid, the country's system of racial segregation.
He became the nation's first black president in 1994, four years after he was freed from prison.
Mandela's impact extends
far beyond South African borders. After he left office, he mediated
conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.
His history of lung problems dates to his imprisonment on Robben Island, and he has battled respiratory infections since then.
Earlier this week, Zuma's office said he remains in a critical but stable condition, and Saturday's statement said that had not changed.
During his
hospitalization, crowds gathered outside his Pretoria hospital to sing,
and leave him flowers, stuffed animals and notes.
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