A South African spokesman says former president Nelson Mandela is doing well and could be released from the hospital as early as Sunday after a surgical procedure for a “long-standing” abdominal condition.

Defense Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said Sunday, the 93-year-old anti-apartheid icon had a tiny camera inserted into his stomach Saturday after his planned admission for chronic abdominal pain.

Mr. Sisulu says Mr. Mandela is “fine as can be at his age – and handsome.”

South African President Jacob Zuma said late Saturday that Mr. Mandela was in no danger and is expected to leave the hospital Sunday or Monday.

The president also passed on well wishes from all South Africans, and asked everyone to respect the privacy of Mr. Mandela and his family.

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years until he was freed in 1990. Four years later he became South Africa's first black president, ending the country's era of apartheid rule.