JOHANNESBURG – The Presidency has announced that former president Nelson Mandela has recovered fully from his surgery.

Mandela spent two weeks at a Pretoria hospital in December, 2012.

Madiba underwent an operation to remove gallstones and battled a lung infection.

The Presidency’s Mac Maharaj said Mandela’s doctors are optimistic.

“The Presidency would like to inform the public that former president Nelson Mandela has recovered from his surgical procedure and lung infection, according to his doctors.”

Maharaj also said President Jacob Zuma has wished Mandela well.

Mandela will continue to receive high care at his Houghton home, but his routine will be re-established.

It is not clear how much longer the former president will be at his Houghton residence, before going home to Qunu, in the Eastern Cape.