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U.S. President Barack Obama Nelson Mandela while he was Africa. Obama said Mandela was an to him. Mr Obama didn't visit Mr Mandela in hospital because of Mandela's health. The White House explained that Mandela's and comfort and his family's were more . Obama told reporters that he did not want to do anything to put Mr Mandela's at risk. He said: "I don't need a photo ". He added that he did not want to get in the way at Mandela's hospital, especially when the family is concerned about Nelson Mandela's .

President Obama called Mandela a " hero". He said Mandela gave up many things in his to get equal rights. He said Mandela's actions his own career. While flying to South Africa, Obama told reporters that "the message we'll want to deliver" is a big thank you "for his ". He added that: "The and prayers of the American people are with him". Obama told university students in Pretoria to learn from Mandela's 27 years in . He said: "There were dark moments that tested his in humanity, but he refused to give up."