The White House says Barack Obama will not meet Nelson Mandela in hospital during his trip to South Africa.

However, the US President and First Lady Michelle Obama are due to meet Mandela's family in private.

Mr Mandela is still in a critical condition in hospital - and Barack Obama says he's not interested in a photo opportunity and the last thing he wants is to be "in any way obtrusive".

Yesterday his ex-wife said that while he is still clinically ill his condition is improving.

Barack Obama is visiting South Africa for a tour to promote democracy and links with the US.