Zuma's office denies reports Nelson Mandela home from hospital

Johannesburg (CNN) -- The South African president's office said Saturday that Nelson Mandela remains hospitalized, contradicting earlier reports that he had returned home.

Two sources close to Mandela told CNN on Saturday that he had returned to his Johannesburg home after a long hospital stay.

After reports by various media outlets, the president 's office issued a statement.

"The presidency has noted incorrect media reports that former President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital," the statement said. "Madiba is still in hospital in Pretoria, and remains in a critical but stable condition. At times his condition becomes unstable, but he responds to medical interventions."

Madiba is the revered leader's clan name.

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Before releasing the statement, the president's office declined to comment when CNN called to confirm reports from the sources.

Mandela, 95, was hospitalized June 8 because of a lung infection. He marked his July birthday at the Pretoria hospital where he has been surrounded by relatives.

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The frail icon has not appeared in public for years, but he retains his popularity as the father of democracy and emblem of the nation's fight against apartheid.

Mandela became an international figure while enduring 27 years in prison for fighting against apartheid, the country's system of racial segregation.

He became the nation's first black president in 1994, four years after he was freed from prison.

Mandela's impact extends far beyond South African borders. After he left office, he mediated conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.

His history of lung problems dates to his imprisonment on Robben Island, and he has battled respiratory infections since then.

Earlier this week, Zuma's office said he remains in a critical but stable condition, and Saturday's statement said that had not changed.

During his hospitalization, crowds gathered outside his Pretoria hospital to sing, and leave him flowers, stuffed animals and notes.