video transcript

The Pretoria hospital where ailing anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela is being treated for a recurrent lung condition. On Saturday, President Jacob Zuma said the 94-year-old's condition remained "critical but stable" and that he hopes the former leader will be out of hospital soon. He made the comments after meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, who says he views Mandela as a personal hero. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING: "The yearning for justice and dignity that transcends the boundaries of race, class, faith and country - that's what Nelson Mandela represents; that's what South Africa at its best can represent to the world; and that's what brings me back here." Obama is here on a two-day state visit to boost ties and redress concerns of U.S. neglect on African partnerships. He is also set to meet with Mandela's family members but not the man himself. The U.S. president's trip has spurred protests in South Africa over drone attacks and the failure to shutter Guantanamo Bay prison. Meanwhile in Soweto, student demonstrators scuffled with police Saturday, angered over the University of Johannesburg's decision to award Obama an honorary doctorate. Some said Obama did not deserve the honour, accusing him of human rights abuses.