Mandela to move to hometown of Qunu

JOHANNESBURG - Former South African president Nelson Mandela will move from his Johannesburg home to his native place in Qunu in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.

Mandela will stay in Qunu indefinitely, President Jacob Zuma said on Monday, adding that the Nobel peace laureate was in good health.

"We constantly assure him of the love, support and good wishes of millions of South Africans and people around the world," Zuma said.

Mandela has resided in his Johannesburg home and Qunu residence interchangeably, depending on his wishes at any particular time, presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said.

Mandela recently moved to his Johannesburg home while his Qunu residence was being refurbished.

"He has indicated his wish to go back to Qunu at this point," Maharaj said.

The presidency stressed need to respect the privacy of Mandela and his family during the relocation.

The last time when Mandela was in Qunu, his quiet life was disturbed when police discovered two hidden cameras spying on him.

The cameras were reportedly set up by Reuters and the Associated Press (AP) without the knowledge of the authorities.

The two news agencies are facing criminal charges for allegedly contravening the National Key Points Act, under which all presidents' residences are declared national key points that cannot be filmed. The AP said it set up the camera as a preparatory measure for Mandela's eventual passing.

Mandela moved to Qunu a few days before his 93rd birthday in July last year. He returned to his Johannesburg home earlier this year.