JOHANNESBURG - South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela has recovered from his lung infection and a surgery to remove gallstones, President Jacob Zuma announced Sunday.

Doctors say Mandela, 94, has made "steady progress and that clinically, he continues to improve," according to a statement issued by Zuma's office. Mandela was hospitalized for nearly three weeks in December before going home on Dec. 26. Zuma's statement said Mandela "continues to receive high care" at home.

Mandela has been reading newspapers, sitting up in bed and receiving visitors, according to reports in the South African media.

Mandela has become increasingly frail over the years.

ASSOCIATED PRESS