The Obamas are coming to South Africa. But whether Barack and Michelle will stop over in Cape Town to receive the freedom of the city is not clear.
More than a year ago, mayor Patricia de Lille proposed that the pair receive the city's highest award. In February this year her spokesman Solly Malatsi said they had officially awarded the civic honour to them. "It's now a matter of where the actual thing should take place," said Malatsi at the time.
Though Obama and the First Lady's visit to Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa was announced on Monday, yesterday Jack Hillmeyer, spokesman for the US embassy in Pretoria, could not say if they would visit the Mother City.
"We won't have any details to give until we get closer to the trip," said Hillmeyer.
Malatsi was asked if the Obamas would accept the award in Cape Town, but he did not want to commit himself.
"We will wait for official direction from President Jacob Zuma's office . The Presidency will guide us on all issues related to this matter in terms of state protocol," Malatsi said.
Malatsi said they had been discussing the "issue for a number of months" with the Presidency. Hillmeyer said Obama will meet with leaders from government, business, civil society and the youth.
"The trip will underscore the president's [Obama's] commitment to broadening and deepening the cooperation between the US and the people of sub-Saharan Africa to advance regional and global peace and prosperity," said Hillmeyer.
"He really believes this is a moment of promise for Africa."
The visit, he said, will "reinforce three key themes": advancing economic growth in Africa through trade and investment; engaging the next generation of African leaders; and supporting the African advance for democratic governance.
