In an erroneous statement, former president George H.W. Bush had announced that Nelson Mandela was already dead on Sunday.

"Barbara and I mourn the passing of one of the greatest believers in freedom we have had the privilege to know. As President, I watched in wonder as Nelson Mandela had the remarkable capacity to forgive his jailers following 26 years of wrongful imprisonment - setting a powerful example of redemption and grace for us all. He was a man of tremendous moral courage, who changed the course of history in his country. Barbara and I had great respect for President Mandela, and send our condolences to his family and countrymen."

However, the office of the South African presidency, through presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj, said the statement was a mistake and that Mr Mandela is still alive but they are not making an issue over Mr Bush's erroneous announcement.

"It is clearly incorrect. We see it as an error on his side," Mr Maharaj told BNO News.

Mr Mandela was already out from the hospital on Sunday even with his critical condition. An ambulance drove him home to Johannesburg, as confirmed by President Jacob Zuma in an official statement.

"Madiba's condition remains critical and is at times unstable. Nevertheless, his team of doctors are convinced that he will receive the same level of intensive care at his Houghton home that he received in Pretoria. His home has been reconfigured to allow him to receive intensive care there. The health care personnel providing care at his home are the very same who provided care to him in hospital. If there are health conditions that warrant another admission to hospital in future, this will be done.

We now call on all to allow the former President and his family the necessary private space so that his continuing care can proceed with dignity and without unnecessary intrusion." Jacob Zuma wrote.

Consequently, Jim McGrath, spokesman to Mr Bush owned up to his mistake and apologised through his Twitter account.

"The 41 stmnt sent this morning was the result of my mis-reading the header on the WaPo news flash. Stupid mistake by me. Apologies to all," Mr McGrath posted.