The White House says President Barack Obama is looking forward to his forthcoming visit to South Africa.

It says it will not speculate on how former president Nelson Mandela’s health will affect the trip. Obama and his family will depart on the first leg of their Africa visit on Wednesday.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney says their thoughts and prayers are with Madiba, his family and the people of South Africa but would not be drawn on how, if at all, Obama’s visit might be affected by developments in South Africa.

Carney did say Obama was looking forward to the trip and continuing to build on the already strong partnership with the government and people of South Africa.

Earlier, SA President Jacob Zuma indicated the trip would go ahead despite the concerns over Madiba’s health. On Sunday evening, the presidency issued a statement saying Mandela’s condition had worsened and is critical.
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