JOHANNESBURG — Former South African President Nelson Mandela was released Wednesday from the hospital after being treated for a lung infection and having gallstones removed, a government spokesman said.

The 94-year-old anti-apartheid icon will continue to receive medical care at home. He had been in the hospital since Dec. 8.

In recent days, officials have said he was improving and in good spirits, but doctors have taken care with his health because of his age.

Mandela will receive ‘‘home-based high care’’ at his residence in the Johannesburg neighborhood of Houghton until he fully recovers, said spokesman Mac Maharaj.

“We thank the public and the media for the good wishes and for according Madiba and the family the necessary privacy,’’ said Maharaj in a prepared statement, using Mandela’s clan name, a term of affection.