PRETORIA – Michelle Obama arrived in Pretoria for what officials have billed as her first major solo overseas trip as US first lady, to South Africa and Botswana.
She arrived at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria at 9:15 pm (1915 GMT).
Obama was accompanied by her daughters, Malia and Sasha, and her mother, Marian Robinson – but not her husband, US President Barack Obama – for the trip focusing on young women leaders and the legacy of the anti-apartheid struggle.
The first lady, wearing a formal red and black jacket and black pants, was greeted by South African Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, US ambassador to South Africa Donald Gips, his wife Liz and three sons.
She was given a bouquet of flowers by three girls aged 10 and 11, and her daughters were each given a blanket emblazoned with the South African flag.
Obama waved to journalists before heading to two black cars waiting in front of the plane.
Gips told journalists: “We are very excited . . . . This shows the respect we have for South Africa. She (Obama) is looking forward to the visit – as South Africa is looking into hosting her.”
Obama is scheduled to meet one of South African President Jacob Zuma’s wives, Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma, in Pretoria on Tuesday morning before heading to Johannesburg for a visit to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where she will get a tour from the former president’s wife, Graca Machel.
On Tuesday afternoon, Obama will visit a daycare centre in Johannesburg and tour the Apartheid Museum, which chronicles the history of the struggle against white-minority rule.
The six-day trip will also take the first lady to Cape Town and the Botswanan capital Gaborone. (AFP)
