Nelson Mandela Health Update: The Former South African President Is Still ‘Quite Ill’ And Uses Only ‘Facial Expressions To Communicate,’ According To Ex-Wife

Nelson Mandela Health Update: The South African government issued a statement regarding its former president's health update for the first time since he has been released from the hospital on September. Nelson Mandela remains in a "stable but critical" condition, but "continues to respond to treatment."

"The health of the former president remains much the same," according to the statement made by the South African government right after President Jacob Zuma visited the anti-apartheid revolutionary and political icon at his home on Monday.

The government refused to further give details about Nelson Mandela health update saying that the family needs their privacy but reassures that "he continues to recover."

The 95-year old former president was discharged from the hospital on September 1 after his confinement for almost three months due to lung infection.

"He is still progressing steadily but very much under a critical condition," according to his oldest grandson Mandla Mandela, who visited the political icon on Sunday. In addition he said that Mandela is in a "good state."

According to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Nelson's former wife, in a local newspaper this week, that  he is still "quite ill" and up until now he is unable to speak due to the tubes in his mouth that are used to clear the liquid from his lungs. "He is using facial expressions to communicate," his former wife added.

In addition, Madikizela-Mandela said that the Nobel Peace Prize winner is being taken care of 22 doctors because, even though his pneumonia has cleared up, his lungs is still sensitive and that it was "difficult for him."

"He remains very sensitive to any germs, so he has to be kept literally sterile. The bedroom there is like an ICU (intensive care unit) ward," a statement she said on Sunday Times.

"He remains quite ill, but thank God the doctors were able to pull him through from that (last) infection."

Mandela, South Africa's first black leader, was diagnosed with early stage of tuberculosis back when he served his 27 year-time in apartheid jails where he faced more health threats.

Nelson Mandela is internationally admired for his peaceful way of steering South Africa into democracy, his health problems has gained outpouring well wishes globally.

According to Zuma, a statue of Mandela or "Tata Madiba," his clan name, will be erected at the Union Buildings - a former symbol of white domination now houses the democratic government.

"By mounting Tata Madiba's statue at the Union Buildings we are cementing the Union Building's place among those symbols that reflect the kind of inclusive society we seek to build," Zuma said.

Will be posting Nelson Mandela health update when available.