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U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Pretoria, South Africa on Friday (June 28), his second stop in his first extended tour of Africa since taking office in 2009.
Obama paid tribute to anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela as he flew to South Africa on Friday but played down expectations of a meeting with the ailing black leader during an Africa tour promoting democracy and food security.
White House officials hope Obama's three-nation tour of Africa will compensate for what some view as years of neglect by America's first black president.
The health of Mandela, the 94-year-old former South African president clinging to life in a Pretoria hospital, dominated Obama's day even before he arrived in Johannesburg.
Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, said his condition had improved in the past few days.
Obama sees Mandela, also known as Madiba, as a hero. Whether they are able to meet or not, officials said his t
