Ailing anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela may be soon discharged from hospital to recuperate at home, according to the South African Former President Thabo Mbeki.
Speaking at a memorial service, Thabo Mbeki on Saturday said he expects Mandela would be going home soon, according to Eyewitness News.
Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Sunday acknowledged the support of the South African public.
"The amount of love we have experienced and prayers we have received have been the greatest gift to the family," said Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Mandela is entering his sixth week in hospital where he is being treated for a recurring lung infection. This is his third hospitalization in less than seven months.
The whole South African country is gearing up to mark the global icon's 95th birthday as Mandela Day this week.
"Please join us on 18 July to celebrate his life which all of you have helped us preserve," said his ex-wife.
The South African President Jacob Zuma, who last week reiterated that the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate was in a critical but stable condition, is scheduled to attend the official celebrations.
The South African Presidency on its official website urged people to "Take action; inspire change; make every day a Mandela Day".
Nelson Mandela, who was the first elected South African president, spent 27 years in prison under the white minority rule for leading the movement to overthrow the regime.
He is not just a global peace icon but a beloved leader known as Madiba among his people.
Madiba is the name of the Xhosa tribe to which he belongs and it is considered an act of honor to refer to somebody by the name of his tribe.
