Nelson Mandela is ‘in good shape’ and ‘good spirits’, South African president Jacob Zuma said today.

He spoke as the first footage emerged of the 94-year-old former president since he left hospital on April 6 after suffering from pneumonia.

He spent 10 days in hospital being treated for the illness, which followed an earlier hospitalisation in December when he developed a lung infection and gallstones.

Recovering: Nelson Mandela was said to be in ‘good spirits’ but appeared expressionless on camera

Motionless: Mandela sat up in an armchair with the aid of a cushion, but appeared not to interact with the people around him

Keeping positive: South African president Jacob Zuma (left) said he was ‘really happy’ with Mandela’s progress

Icon: Mandela was South Africa’s first black president and is seen by many as the father of the nation

The video shows Mandela sitting upright in an armchair, surrounded by friends, family, politicians and medical staff at his home in Johannesburg.

It is the first public image of him since Hillary Clinton visited in her role as US secretary of state in August.

Mandela – also known as Madiba in South Africa – appears to be virtually expressionless and does not seem to react to those around him.

Read more: Daily Mail