Pretoria - Visiting US President Barack Obama and President Jacob Zuma have both highlighted the role played by former President Nelson Mandela in the country and praised him for his sacrifices.
Obama said the thoughts of the American people and people around the world were with Madiba and his family as the former statesman remains in hospital, where he is being treated for a recurring lung infection.
Obama told a media briefing after his bilateral meeting with Zuma at the Union Buildings that the outpouring of love for Madiba from the masses showed what he means to South Africa and the world.
“The triumph of Mandela speaks of something deep in the human spirit,” said Obama, who labelled Mandela as his personal inspiration and sterling example of the “power of principle”.
He said it was great to see what was happening in SA in terms of unity and justice when other regions were divided in conflict and mired in disputes.
The US President said Mandela understood that the wellbeing of the country was more important than anyone’s personal interest.
Zuma used the platform to update the world on Mandiba’s condition. He said “he remains critical but is now stable” and that the world should continue to pray for his good health.
Zuma hoped that the world icon would be out of hospital soon. He said the anti-apartheid icon had the best doctors, who were doing everything to help him.
Zuma said Obama and Mandela were also “bound by history, as the first black Presidents of your respective countries”.
“Thus, you both carry the dreams of millions of people in Africa and the diaspora, who were previously oppressed,” Zuma told Obama.
Asked if Mandela would be happy with where the country was, Zuma told the media “definitely yes”.
He said government was pursuing the policies and dreams of Mandela.
South Africa and the rest of the world will next month celebrate Mandela Day on the 18th, where individuals are encouraged to spend 67 minutes doing something that will be of benefit to others.
Obama is in SA as part of his three-nation tour of Africa, which started in Senegal and will conclude in Tanzania.
His Air Force One aircraft landed at the Waterkloof Air Force Base last night as part of the tour which is aimed at broadening and deepening cooperation between the United States and the people of sub-Saharan Africa to advance regional and global peace and prosperity. - SAnews.gov.za
