Pretoria – US President Barack Obama has arrived at Waterkloof Air Force Base, ahead of the official Memorial Service of later former President Nelson Mandela.
President Obama is being accompanied by former US President George W. Bush, his wife Laura Bush, as well as former US President Bill Clinton, along with his wife, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Jimmy Carter and his wife.
He was welcomed by International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
In a rare moment in history, Obama is one of 91 Heads of State and Government and 10 former Heads of State who are expected to attend the historic event at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane said yesterday that government had extended a warm welcome to all guests arriving in the country.
Government had advised the visiting leaders, some of whom arrived today, to attend tomorrow’s memorial service, rather than Sunday’s burial in Qunu in the Eastern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
