South Africans overjoyed at the return of Nelson Mandela to his home in Houghton, Johannesburg

By Subry Govender (A report done for Radio Deutsche Welle on Monday, Sept 2 2013)

South Africans are breathing a sigh of relief that former President and freedom icon, Nelson Mandela, has been discharged from hospital and are praying that he would spend the rest of his life with his family and close family friends. This follows confirmation by the Government that Mr Mandela has been discharged from hospital on Sunday, September 1 (2013) after 86 days and that he would be taken care of at his home in the suburb of Houghton in Johannesburg. On Monday, September 2 (2013) the South African authorities enforced strict security around the home of Nelson Mandela and have declared that the area was now a national key point. At the same time all media people and journalists had been ordered to stay a distance away from the house and the local metro police restricted all unauthorised vehicles and the movement of people. While security was being heightened, ordinary people I spoke to were overjoyed that Mandela had been returned to his family. They were of the view that Mandela should spend the rest of his life with family members and close friends instead of being in a hospital. "It's actually a good feeling,” said Mrs Pam Ntse, who described herself as a Durban “home executive”.

“I am very happy for him and his family because they have been through a lot and I just hope he gets better and I hope he lives to 100.” Another woman, Mrs Lynne Cooper, also of Durban said she was certain that the doctors had done “the right thing in the interests of his health and it's lovely that he can spend time with his family”. “I only hope that he will be around for another decade." "I'm very very pleased and I still believe that it's God's will that he is still with us." The people are fully indebted to the freedom icon for bringing about reconciliation and development in South Africa and for being an example to the rest of the world. They say he's one of the greatest leaders to have graced this world and to have sacrificed so much for freedom and peace.

A former activist, Mr Barry Rebeck, said Mandela had played a pivotal role in leading “the country through the transition”. “He did all the right things, staying in office for only one term and hardly any controversy with him. He was a wonderful man, a true leader and I think we will miss him." Mrs Tereza de Beer, who described herself as one of Mandela”s “greatest admirers”, became emotional when she spoke about the sacrifices and the role Mandela had played in bringing about peace, reconciliation and development in South Africa. "I think he's one of the greatest leaders ever was and he's a great example to the nation,” she said. “He's left a very good legacy in terms of our country. He's been a pioneer in terms of leading our country into a rainbow nation. While he's here we will do him proud.

"I think what he has done nobody would have done that better. I have the highest, highest respect for him and I hope his family is enjoying having him with them." The local and international media are once again increasing their interest in Mandela. They believe that Mandela has been discharged from hospital because he should be with his family and close friends at a time when the health of the 95-year-old former president is still considered to be “critical and at times unstable”.