Mandela's Health Improving

Former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his birthday in Qunu, South Africa, July 18, 2012.

South Africa's presidency says former president Nelson Mandela has recovered from his recent lung infection and surgery to remove gallstones.

A statement from President Jacob Zuma's office says Mandela has made steady progress and continues to improve.

Mandela has been receiving treatment at his Johannesburg home. The 94-year-old anti-apartheid icon was hospitalized for three weeks in December before being released December 26.

Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1994, after his release from prison. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his role in ending the racist apartheid system.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.