Nelson Mandela 'in good spirits' say visiting ANC leaders Published duration 29 April 2013

image caption Nelson Mandela spent 10 days in hospital for treatment for pneumonia

Nelson Mandela has been visited at home by ANC leaders who said later he was "in good shape and in good spirits".

The first pictures of the former South African president since he left hospital show him surrounded by well-wishers at his home in Johannesburg.

The 94-year-old was discharged on 6 April after more than a week of treatment for pneumonia.

It was the third time in the past four months that the Nobel Peace Prize laureate had stayed in hospital.

President Jacob Zuma and ANC Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa were among senior ANC officials who called in on Mr Mandela at his home in Houghton and were given an update by his medical team.

"After receiving a briefing from the medical team, the national officials are satisfied that President Mandela is in good health and is receiving the very best medical care," the ANC said in a statement.

President Zuma said Mr Mandela "shook hands and even smiled".

The rare video footage from his home was broadcast by South African public broadcaster SABC.

Robben Island

The veteran leader's lung problems date from his 27 years as a political prisoner.

Eighteen years were spent on the windswept Robben Island where he contracted tuberculosis.

Mr Mandela's health has been a continuing cause for concern recently. In December, he spent more than two weeks in hospital undergoing treatment for his lung ailment and gallstones.

In February, doctors dealt with a stomach condition.

Mr Mandela, who stepped down as president in 1999, is revered in South Africa for his role in ending the system of apartheid, or white minority rule.

He retired from public life in 2004 after acting as a high-profile ambassador for the country.

Mr Mandela became South Africa's first black president in the 1990s and is seen by many as father of the nation.