JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 28 (Saba) -- South Africa's iconic former President Nelson Mandela, discharged on Friday from Johannesburg's Milpark Hospital, has remarkable powers of recovery, Xinhua News has reported.

Mandela spent two nights undergoing medical tests in the hospital, sparking global speculation about his condition.

Immediately after the press briefing, South Africa's etv news channel showed an ambulance pulling up at Mandela's home in Houghton, northern Johannesburg.

They speculated that Mandela was in the vehicle.

At the briefing, South African National Defense Force Surgeon General Lieutenant-General Vejaynand Ramlakan told the media that doctors were awed by Mandela's ability to recover from a chest infection, and by his positive attitude.

Acting President Kgalema Motlanthe told the media that Mandela is well.

"That should reassure all of us, there is no need to panic... to fear for his health," he said.

Ramlakan said Mandela recently developed acute respiratory infection.

"He received treatment and has responded very well... .He is stable, but will be monitored closely."

He would be receiving home-based care at his house. This care would be equal to that he would receive in the hospital, Ramlakan said. Motlanthe said Mandela was receiving the best treatment from health professionals.

"From now on we will keep you posted," he said. Motlanthe said Mandela is in good spirits and joking.

He thanked South Africans for their prayers and well wishes.

"The Mandela family, together with the government and the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Madiba himself, would like to covey appreciation to all South Africans... and people across the world who have sent words and support."

Motlanthe said Mandela had received more than 10, 000 messages of support and good wishes, including from U.S. President Barack Obama.

Saba