Pretoria - US President Barack Obama took time out of his busy schedule to visit the family of ailing former President Nelson Mandela.
Obama made a stop at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, where he met members of the Mandela family. He also had a telephone conversation with Mandela’s wife, Graca Machel, who is with the elderly former statesman in hospital.
Doctors have described his condition as stable but critical.
After spending private time with Mandela’s family members, President Obama then viewed a display of materials from Mandela’s private papers. He also wished the family, the Nelson Mandela charities and all South Africans well at this difficult time.
In a statement issued after the telephone conversation, Machel said she had drawn strength from the support of the Obamas.
“Having taken the time to telephone me to express their solidarity and meet our children, they have added a touch of personal warmth that is characteristic of the Obama family. I am humbled by their comfort and messages of strength and inspiration, which I have already conveyed to Madiba,” said Machel.
She went on to wish the Obamas a successful and enjoyable visit to South Africa.
Earlier, President Jacob Zuma and Obama, in a press briefing after holding bilateral talks at the Union Buildings, reflected on Madiba’s legacy.
Obama said Mandela was an inspiration to the world and held the “power of principle” for standing up for what is right.
Obama is on a three-day visit to South Africa as part of his three-nation tour of Africa. - SAnews.gov.za
