This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.

Search form

From the Archives: The First Lady's Trip to Africa

Summary: 
A look back at the First Lady's official visit to South Africa and Botswana in June of 2011.

Check out some highlights from the First Lady's trip to Africa:

On this day last year, First Lady Michelle Obama embarked on a week-long official visit to South Africa and Botswana to promote youth leadership, education, health, and wellness, particularly among women and girls.

On her trip, she delivered the keynote address at the Young African Women Leaders Forum, met with former South African President Nelson Mandela, did pushups with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and participated in two service projects at local community centers, among many other activites.

Listen to the First Lady talk about the experience of meeting Nelson Mandela.

Check out more photos from her trip below

First Lady, Sasha, Malia, read

First Lady Michelle Obama, along with daughters Sasha and Malia, reads “The Cat In The Hat” to children at the Zandspruit Township Daycare Center during an event at the Emthonjeni Community Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

South African Women Listen to FLOTUS Address

Members of the Young Women Leader’s Forum listen as First Lady Michelle Obama address them at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

First Lady Michelle Obama Tours the Apartheid Museum

First Lady Michelle Obama views the “Sticks Exhibit” at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

First Lady, Sasha, and Malia Tour Apartheid Museum, South Africa

First Lady Michelle Obama, along with daughters Sasha and Malia, tour the exhibits at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

See more photos, videos, and blog posts from the First Lady's trip