The 93-year-old flew to Qunu ahead of his birthday last week along with his
wife Graca and a phalanx of doctors and staff.
His family have confirmed that he asked to remain there and will not now
return to his home in Houghton, Johannesburg as was expected.
His grandson, Kweku Mandela, said Mr
Mandela was happiest in the rural Eastern Cape.
"He enjoys it there, it's quiet and peaceful and I don't think there's a
place where he's happier," the 26 - year-old film producer said.
His granddaughter Ndileka said he would remain with the medical team which has
cared for him round the clock since a respiratory infection in January saw
him stay several days in hospital.
"As long as he is in a healthy state while there, we are happy. He will
give us a cue when he wants to come back to Johannesburg," Mrs Mandela,
the oldest of his 17 grandchildren.
"He enjoys seeing cattle in the village and the kraal that is not far
from his house. This gives him peace and comfort." She said the whole
family had assembled at the house he had built in his birthplace Qunu, 550
miles from Johannesburg, for a lunch last Sunday ahead of the struggle
icon's birthday on Monday. They presented him with an album capturing
different family gatherings.
"It was a very special day for all of us," she said. "Mama
Winnie and Mama Evelyn's children have not been together since before my
grandfather's 90th birthday. My grandfather did not say much. He just
enjoyed being around all of us."
