Obama meeting Zuma close to Mandela hospital

US President Barack Obama is meeting South Africa’s leader in a visit that will pay tribute to the legacy of critically ill former president Nelson Mandela.

As Mr Obama harks back to Mr Mandela’s leadership against apartheid, he will also be trying to engage Africa’s future.

He is due to receive an honorary law degree at the University of Johannesburg later.

His day is scheduled to begin with a bilateral meeting and news conference with President Jacob Zuma.

They will be meeting only about a 10-minute drive from the Pretoria hospital where 94-year-old Mr Mandela is being treated.

But Mr Obama has indicated that he is not angling for a visit and does not want to be obtrusive.

A spokesman later said that Mr Obama and his wife, Michelle, will meet members of Mr Mandela's family but will not visit the former president in hospital.