JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's president says that Nelson Mandela has recovered from his recent lung infection and surgical procedure to remove gallstones.

South African President Jacob Zuma issued a statement Sunday announcing that doctors say that Mandela, 94, has made "steady progress and that clinically, he continues to improve." Mandela was hospitalized for nearly three weeks in December before going home on Dec. 26.

Zuma's statement said Mandela "continues to receive high care" at his Johannesburg home and "his daily routine is being gradually re-established."

Zuma congratulated Mandela on his recovery and said the anti-apartheid icon has "the love and support of all South Africans."

The news that Mandela has recovered from the recurring lung infection and the minor surgery will reassure many in South Africa concerned about the aged leader's health.