Mandela's recovery complete, spokesman say

Mandela's recovery complete, spokesman says UPDATED: Jan 6, 2013 15:04 GMT Former South African President Nelson Mandela has completed his recovery from a lung infection and gallstone surgery and is gradually getting back to hisnormal routine, a spokesman said Sunday. Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said Mandela, who has not appeared in public since 2010, continues to receive treatment at his home in Houghton, a suburb of Johannesburg. Mandela was hospitalized for a lung infection in early December and a week later underwent surgery for removal of gallstones. He was discharged from the hospital after a two-week stay Keep Nelson Mandela in thoughts and prayers, Zumasays During the time of apartheid in South Africa, Mandela wasconvicted of sabotage and was imprisoned for 27 yearsuntil 1990. He and former President F.W. de Klerk, who dismantled apartheid, shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. A year later, Mandela became the nation'sfirst black president. In November, South Africa issued banknotes bearing Mandela's picture. Despite his rare public appearances in recent years, Mandela retains his popularity and is considereda hero of democracy in the nation. Mandela's impact has extended far beyond the borders of his own country. After he left office in 1999, he was involved in mediating conflicts from Africa to the Mideast. Mandela, 94, also was treated for an acute respiratory infection in January 2011. The next month he had surgery for an abdominal hernia.