Nelson Mandela remains in the hospital as President Barack Obama visited with his daughters and grandchildren in Johannesburg.
In a statement, Mr. Obama described the “privilege” of meeting with the family of Mandela, whom many South Africans refer to by his tribal name, Madiba.
“Today I had the privilege of meeting with members of the Mandela family at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa, and spoke by telephone with Mrs. Graca Machel, who remained by her husband’s side in the hospital in Pretoria,” he said.
“I expressed my hope that Madiba draws peace and comfort from the time that he is spending with loved ones, and also expressed my heartfelt support for the entire family as they work through this difficult time. 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.”
