The US President, Barack Obama has paid a visit to Robben Island prison, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18, out of the 27 years of his jail terms.

The President, along with his family members, also took time to visit the lime quarry where Mandela was forced to work during his incarceration and where the lung infection affecting him till date first developed. The Obama’s tour guide, 83-year-old politician Ahmed Kathrada, who had been detained in the prison for two decades, told the number one American Family of his experiences of being forced to work every day.

The US President, prior to the visit, paid tribute to Nelson Mandela and described him as a man who inspired his political activism. “The struggle here against apartheid, for freedom, Madiba’s moral courage, his country’s historic transition to a free and democratic nation, has been a personal inspiration to me,” said Obama.

In addition to that, Obama said it is a privilege to be able to show his children the place where Mandela spent many years as a political prisoner. “For me to be able to bring my daughters there and teach them the history of that place and this country… that’s a great privilege and a great honour,” he said.

However, Obama and First Lady Michelle met privately with Mandela’s relatives. A White House statement said Obama would not be meeting the critically ill anti-apartheid leader in hospital.