DHAKA: Reports that former South African President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital are incorrect, South Africa`s presidency says.

The BBC and other news outlets reported earlier that Mr. Mandela had returned to his Johannesburg home.

The presidency said in a statement that Mr. Mandela was critical but stable but at times his condition became unstable prompting medical intervention.

The 95-year-old was admitted with a recurring lung infection on 8 June.

The country`s first black president, Mr. Mandela is revered by many as the father of the nation.

His prolonged hospital stay has caused concern both in South Africa and abroad.

The infection is said to date back to a period of nearly three decades he spent in prison for anti-apartheid activity.

People from South Africa and around the world have sent him their best wishes, and flowers and other tributes have collected outside Pretoria`s MediClinic Heart Hospital.

Throughout Mr Mandela`s stay in hospital, President Jacob Zuma has urged the country to pray for him and keep him in their thoughts.

Source: bbc
BDST: 1406 HRS, AUG 31, 2013
AIA/BSK