President Barack Obama met Saturday with members of former South African President Nelson Mandela’s family in Johannesburg, and spoke by phone with Mandela’s wife, Graca Machel, who remained at the critically ill leader’s bedside in a Pretoria hospital.
“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,” Obama said in a statement. “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.”
“Madiba and his family remain in our thoughts and prayers,” he added.
