US President Barack Obama today met the family members of ailing South African statesman Nelson Mandela and praised him for inspiring people around the world.
Obama, who here on an official visit, decided against a personal visit with Mandela, delivering his respects in a private meeting with his family.
He praised the retired statesman as one of history's greatest figures when he met two of Mandela's daughters and eight of his grandchildren on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory here.
"I reaffirmed the profound impact that (Mandela's) legacy has had in building a free South Africa, and in inspiring people around the world, including me," Obama said in a statement after the visit.
"That's a legacy that we must all honour in our own lives."
Obama also spoke by telephone to Graca Machel, who has been at the bedside of her 94-year-old husband since he was admitted to the hospital with a recurring lung ailment on June 8.
Machel said she drew strength from the call and that Obama added a characteristic "touch of personal warmth".
Obama decided not to visit his hero in hospital to preserve the "peace and comfort" of the legendary leader.
Obama also met President Zuma and enquired about Mandela's health.
"The triumph of Nelson Mandela and this nation speaks to something very deep in the human spirit," Obama said after talks with Zuma.
