Pretoria - Messages of relief have started trickling in on Friday afternoon after news that former president Nelson Mandela was discharged from a Johannesburg hospital after recovering from an acute respiratory infection.
His release quelled 48-hours of national panic over the condition of the frail 92-year-old.
Mandela left the hospital on Friday afternoon in an ambulance, and live television footage showed a convoy of official vehicles surrounding the ambulance as it drove to his Houghton home.
Political parties such as the ANC and Cosatu where the first to react to the good news.
In their separate statements, the two parties hoped that the clarification about Madiba's health will stop "rumour-mongers" from spreading panic.
The ANC described the media reporting during Mandela's stay as insensitive.
"We would like to reiterate our call to the media to give Madiba and his family their privacy," said spokesperson Jackson Mthembu - a view that was shared by the Cosatu.
"We urge the media to give him and his family space to enable him to enjoy a full and speedy recuperation, and hope that the clarification about his condition will silence the rumour-mongers and that they will stop spreading panic," Cosatu said in a statement.
The ANC went on to commend the sterling work done by the SANDF medical team and the South Africa community and the international community for their prayers and well wishes to Madiba for his speedily recovery.
The 92-year-old former South African president was airlifted to the hospital early Wednesday, after developing a persistent cough while vacationing with his wife.
Doctors said Mandela underwent several specialised medical tests while he was in the hospital.
According to South African National Defence Force Surgeon General Vejaynand Ramlakan, Mandela has responded very well to the treatment.
"Medically at present he is in high spirits and there is no reason to panic," said Ramlakan. He said he was "stable" and "will be monitored closely."
Ramlakan said Mandela's "amazing, positive attitude allows him to cope with the difficulties of old age with the greatest of graces."
The Young Communist League of South Africa, believed that him being around his family will assist him.
"His conquered many ailing conditions in his life and believe that he will recover from this one as well. We welcome that he has responded well to the treatment provided to him," spokesperson Gugu Ndima said.
Nehawu joined the choir, by sending their love to this gallant fighter who has fought and won many battles.
In a statement the workers, were convinced that Mandela will win this one too.
"Nelson is a global giant who when he sneezes the whole world catches cold. The world is deeply affected by the ill health of this inspirational struggle icon and we are comforted by the knowledge that everything is being done to ensure his speedy recovery," the union said.
Mandela has largely retired from public life in 2004 and has not been seen in public since the FIFA World Cup final in July.
The ex-politician has a history of respiratory problems after contracting tuberculosis during his 27 years in prison.
