Nelson Mandela hospital release reports 'incorrect'

Reports that former South African President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital are incorrect, South Africa's presidency said today.

International news agencies had earlier quoted sources close to Mandela as saying he had returned home in Johannesburg.

The presidency said in a statement that Mandela was critical but stable, but at times his condition became unstable, prompting medical intervention.

The 95-year-old was admitted with a recurring lung infection on 8 June.

The country's first black president, Mandela is revered by many as the father of the nation.

His prolonged hospital stay - by far the longest since he was released from prison in 1990 - has caused concern both in South Africa and abroad.