Former South African President Nelson Mandela was released from a Pretoria hospital Wednesday where he had been receiving treatment since Dec. 8, said a government spokesperson.

The discharge comes just after the government announced Mandela’s condition was improving and that he was recovering well after suffering a lung infection and having gallstones removed.

Mandela, 94, will reportedly receive further medical care at his home until he makes a full recovery.

Mandela spent the Christmas holiday in the hospital and was visited by his wife, Graca Machel, South African President Jacob Zuma and other friends and family. The government pleaded on Mandela’s behalf for the public to respect the leader’s privacy during this time.

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(Photo: PIERRE VERDY/AFP/Getty Images)