President Barack Obama has arrived in South Africa, but did not meet with the ailing Nelson Mandela. Instead, the first black president of the U.S. met with the first black president of South Africa’s family and not at the hospital Mandela is being treated at.
The Telegraph reports that the White House said before the meeting that, “Out of deference to Nelson Mandela's peace and comfort and the family's wishes,” Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama “will not be visiting the hospital.” The statement added that they are meeting with the family “to offer their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
According to The Wall Street Journal, the meeting took place at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory Sunday afternoon, local time. Obama later issued another statement, saying that he hoped that Mandela, a hero of his, would draw strength from knowing that he met with the family.
“I also reaffirmed the profound impact that his legacy has had in building a free South Africa, and in inspiring people around the world—including me,” Obama said. “That's a legacy that we must all honor in our own lives.”
“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,” Mandela’s wife, Graça Machel, said in a statement from the Mandela Centre.
Before the meeting, Obama held a joint press conference with South African president Jacob Zuma.
“We are hoping that his condition is going to improve,” Zuma said when asked about Mandela, notes the Wall Street Journal. “We hope very soon he will be out of the hospital.”
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