JOHANNESBURG — South Africa on Friday readied itself for a much-anticipated visit by U.S. President Barack Obama, though the visit has been overshadowed by the declining health of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela. The former president has remained in critical condition for six days at a Pretoria hospital, prompting an outpouring of support.
An all-night vigil outside Mandela’s hospital mushroomed Thursday night, as visitors poured in to light candles and pray for the health of the former president. The concern for Mandela, 94, overshadows another major event in South Africa: the Friday night arrival of U.S. President Barack Obama.
For him, too, a bevy of grand events are planned: several bilateral meetings, speeches, a state dinner, and a visit to Robben Island where Mandela spent nearly two decades in prison. Protesters also plan to greet the U.S. president Saturday morning with their objections to his visit -- one main protest group said it opposes Obama's foreign and military policies.
But many South Africans have expressed support for the American president, saying they see something of their beloved leader in Obama. Both men were the first black president of their country, and both were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.South African presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said it is uncertain whether Obama will visit Mandela -- whom he refers to by his clan name, Madiba.
“Essentially, it is a matter that we do not regulate the visits to Madiba. Those are matters that are handled by the family," Maharaj explained. "But I did see statements from the United States that they would not be pressing for that, they would be guided by the family and the health interests of Madiba. So that’s where the matter stands, and it depends, really, on circumstances.”
Maharaj added that the nation was excited about Obama’s visit, as the U.S. is one of South Africa’s top trade partners and a valued ally.
An all-night vigil outside Mandela’s hospital mushroomed Thursday night, as visitors poured in to light candles and pray for the health of the former president. The concern for Mandela, 94, overshadows another major event in South Africa: the Friday night arrival of U.S. President Barack Obama.
For him, too, a bevy of grand events are planned: several bilateral meetings, speeches, a state dinner, and a visit to Robben Island where Mandela spent nearly two decades in prison. Protesters also plan to greet the U.S. president Saturday morning with their objections to his visit -- one main protest group said it opposes Obama's foreign and military policies.
But many South Africans have expressed support for the American president, saying they see something of their beloved leader in Obama. Both men were the first black president of their country, and both were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.South African presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said it is uncertain whether Obama will visit Mandela -- whom he refers to by his clan name, Madiba.
“Essentially, it is a matter that we do not regulate the visits to Madiba. Those are matters that are handled by the family," Maharaj explained. "But I did see statements from the United States that they would not be pressing for that, they would be guided by the family and the health interests of Madiba. So that’s where the matter stands, and it depends, really, on circumstances.”
Maharaj added that the nation was excited about Obama’s visit, as the U.S. is one of South Africa’s top trade partners and a valued ally.
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A girl weeps as she stands next to a portrait of Nelson Mandela held by ANC supporters outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, June 28, 2013.
- Men stand next to a banner covered with portraits of Nelson Mandela to a wall outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, June 28, 2013.
- A well-wisher pays respect to ailing former South African President Nelson Mandela outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, June 27, 2013.
- Children pose for a family photograph outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, June 27, 2013.
- Granddaughters Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Tukwini Mandela are surrounded by the media outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, June 27, 2013.
- A group of people sing at the entrance to the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, June 27, 2013.
- Children release 95 white balloons to mark the upcoming birthday of ailing former South African President Nelson Mandela outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, June 27, 2013.
- Children and their family sing the song "Amazing Grace" to show their support outside the entrance to the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, June 26, 2013.
- A man paints a portrait of ailing former South African President Nelson Mandela outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital where he is being treated in Pretoria, June 26, 2013.
- A supporter hangs a get well message, outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, June 26, 2013.
- A woman wears earrings bearing the image of former South African President Nelson Mandela, outside the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria, June 26, 2013.
