United States First Lady Laura Bush arrived in Cape Town on Monday where she will spend time with her daughters while visiting HIV/Aids centres, the American embassy said.
On the apron at the Cape Town International airport, awaiting her arrival in a US Air Force jet, was a cavalcade of more than 30 vehicles comprising a strong security contingent from the US and South Africa.
Her arrival caused much interest among local travellers and airport staff, who stopped to stare.
Dressed in a smart dark suit, Bush waved briefly at the crowds before being driven off in a luxury vehicle.
American embassy spokesperson Daniel Stewart said she will be spending some private time with her daughters in Cape Town.
Although not visible at the time of her mother’s arrival, Stewart said Bush’s daughter Jenna is travelling with her.
He said the two will meet up with the other daughter, Barbara, in Cape Town.
Bush arrived from Botswana where she reportedly spent time with Aids patients. She will be paying similar visits around Cape Town on Tuesday afternoon.
Stewart said she will visit the Mothers to Mothers-to-Be organisation to speak to HIV/Aids-infected women on Tuesday.
He said Bush will be holding a round-table discussion with eight women from Cape Town.
On the apron to meet her was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sue van der Merwe, US ambassador to South African Jendayi Frazer and the consul general, Moosa Vali, with his wife, Shireen.
Security for her arrival was tight, with the M2 being blocked off as the cavalcade raced off to the airport for her arrival.
Bush will be in South Africa until Wednesday and then leave for Tanzania and Rwanda. — Sapa