Mandela 'looking much better,' but remains in hospital

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Schalk Van Zuydam / AP fileFormer South African President Nelson Mandela sits in his home in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012. Mandela, 94, is said to be "looking much better" after being treated for a lung infection and gallstones in December 2012.By Xola Potelwa, ReutersNelson Mandela, South Africa's 94-year-old former president, is "looking much better" after being treated for a lung infection and gallstones, but will remain in hospital for the time being, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Follow @NBCNewsWorldThe country's first black president was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on Dec. 8 after being flown from his home village of Qunu in a remote part of the Eastern Cape province.

He was treated initially for a recurrent lung infection and then had a successful procedure to have gallstones removed.

Mandela, who came to power in historic elections in 1994 after decades struggling against apartheid, remains a symbol of resistance to racism and injustice at home and around the world.

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