Police clash with anti-Obama protestors as President meets Mandela's family

Riot police in South Africa have clashed with anti-Obama protestors in the township of Soweto.

Stun guns were fired at demonstrators to try and disperse them shortly before the US President Barack Obama arrived in the Johannesburg district.

President Obama has met privately with the family of Nelson Mandela.

The meeting was held in Johannesburg at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, part of the former South African president’s foundation.

It lasted for about a half hour, enough time for a small crowd to gather outside for Obama’s departure.

[comment]A protester lays in front of the wheels of a police car to block it during a demonstration against the visit of President Obama at the university in Soweto today. Pic: AP[/comment]

The White House says Obama met with two of Mandela’s daughters and several grandchildren.

He will not meet with the ailing 94-year-old Mandela, who is hospitalised with a lung infection.

The White House says the decision was made in accordance with the wishes of Mandela’s family.

The White House initially said first lady Michelle Obama would attend, but later said she did not accompany the president.

Mrs Obama met Mandela during her trip to Africa in 2011.