Photographs: Flickr
A surprise visit to world icon Nelson Mandela at his home and advice for 75 young African leaders at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg were the highlights of the first day of a three-day visit to South Africa by United States First Lady Michelle Obama.
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Michelle Obama's candid moments with the Mandelas
Photographs: Flickr
Obama, accompanied by her two daughters, a niece, a nephew and her mother, met South Africa's first democratically elected president Mandela at his home, even though her schedule did not include this visit.
The first lady was viewing some of Mandela's personal papers at his foundation in Johannesburg when, according to White House officials, he sent word that he wanted to meet her and her family. They went to his house for what was Mrs Obama's first meeting with the 92-year-old leader.
The first lady was viewing some of Mandela's personal papers at his foundation in Johannesburg when, according to White House officials, he sent word that he wanted to meet her and her family. They went to his house for what was Mrs Obama's first meeting with the 92-year-old leader.
Michelle Obama's candid moments with the Mandelas
Photographs: Charles Dharapak/Reuters
The Obama party visited the Nelson Mandela Foundation where Mandela's wife Graca Machel joined them as they visited exhibits of Mandela's 27 years as a political prisoner.
Mandela, who turns 93 next month, rarely receives guests after a worldwide scare over his health following a respiratory infection in January.
Mandela, who turns 93 next month, rarely receives guests after a worldwide scare over his health following a respiratory infection in January.
Michelle Obama's candid moments with the Mandelas
Photographs: Charles Dharapak/Reuters
Earlier in the day, Obama met Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma, one of President Jacob Zuma's wives and took the time to personally greet almost every one of about 100 guests.
"From kings to ministers and then myself, Obama gave each individual her undivided attention," tweeted actress Precious Kofi.
"From kings to ministers and then myself, Obama gave each individual her undivided attention," tweeted actress Precious Kofi.
Michelle Obama's candid moments with the Mandelas
Photographs: Charles Dharapak/Reuters
After the Mandela meeting, Obama went to the Apartheid Museum to advise the waiting young girls to consider themselves as important as anyone else.
While Obama may have charmed those she met, she left the media and Johannesburg motorists somewhat frustrated.
While Obama may have charmed those she met, she left the media and Johannesburg motorists somewhat frustrated.
Michelle Obama's candid moments with the Mandelas
Photographs: Reuters
There were no interviews or comments to the media, and many motorists were upset at the traffic jams that resulted after several main routes across the city were cordoned off during peak hours to allow Obama's convoy to pass unhindered.
Michelle Obama's candid moments with the Mandelas
Photographs: Reuters
A huge crowd is expected on Tuesday at the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto, where Obama will deliver an address after visiting the adjacent memorial for Hector Pieterson.
Michelle Obama's candid moments with the Mandelas
Photographs: Charles Dharapak/Reuters
The last day of the visit will include a visit to Robben Island, where Mandela and others were detained for decades as political prisoners, as well as a courtesy call on Nobel Laureate and former Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Obama will also go to Botswana after that.
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