SA leaders 'too busy' for Obama

2008-11-09 08:13

Marthinus van Vuuren

Johannesburg - Only a few South African leaders were prepared to meet the young American senator Barack Obama when he visited SA in 2006.

Former President Thabo Mbeki was one of the leaders who did not have the time to see Obama, apparently due to Obama's criticism of Mbeki and former minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang's denial that HIV caused Aids.

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu as well as Finance Minister Trevor Manuel did meet with Obama, who also met members of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). A video shows a polite Obama shaking every TAC member's hand.

Manuel said it had been a privilege to meet the future US president. He said they spoke about trade and industry in Africa and his spokesperson said Manuel had found Obama "sincere, intelligent and involved" as well as committed to uplifting and empowering the poor.

Tutu also described Obama as "a very sincere, friendly, articulate and capable" young man. He said he remembered that politics and the fight against racism were important to him.

- Rapport