Nelson Mandela might get discharged soon, says ex-president

Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela might get discharged from hospital soon to recuperate at home, a former president of South Africa said.

Thabo Mbeki, who succeeded Mandela as South Africa's president, made the prediction on Saturday that Mandela's health was improving so he could get a discharge soon.

The CBS News reports that Mandela has been hospitalized for more than five weeks for a recurring lung infection in a Pretoria hospital.

According to the report, Mandela has been on life support in the form of mechanical ventilation.

Mandela's family is planning a small lunch as he turns 95 on Thursday.