Pretoria — Former President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from a Pretoria hospital after receiving treatment for a recurring lung infection and having gallstones removed.

The former statesman was discharged from hospital on Wednesday evening.

He will now undergo home-based high care at his Houghton home until he recovers fully, said the Presidency.

The 94-year-old had been admitted to hospital on 8 December.

"We thank the public and the media for the good wishes and for according Madiba and the family the necessary privacy. We request a continuation of the privacy consideration in order to allow for the best possible conditions for full recovery," said Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj.

Mandela spent Christmas in hospital. President Jacob Zuma joined Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, and members of the Mandela family in celebrating Christmas with him.

"We found him in good spirits. He shouted my clan name, Nxamalala, as I walked into the ward! He was happy to have visitors. The doctors are happy with the progress that he is making," said Zuma on Christmas Day.