US President Barack Obama speaks during a town hall style meeting at the University of Johannesburg Soweto in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 28, 2013. US President Barack Obama met the family of his “inspiration” Nelson Mandela but was unable to visit the anti-apartheid legend who remains critically ill in hospital. AFP PHOTO/JIM WATSON
JOHANNESBURG — President Barack Obama met privately Saturday with the family of Nelson Mandela.
The meeting was held in Johannesburg at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, part of the former South African president’s foundation.
It lasted for about a half hour, enough time for a small crowd to gather outside for Obama’s departure.
The White House says Obama met with two of Mandela’s daughters and several grandchildren.
He will not meet with the ailing 94-year-old Mandela, who is hospitalized with a lung infection. The White House says the decision was made in accordance with the wishes of Mandela’s family.
The White House initially said first lady Michelle Obama would attend, but later said she did not accompany the president. Mrs. Obama met Mandela during her trip to Africa in 2011.