JOHANNESBURG — First Lady Michelle Obama and her family are paying their respects to Nelson Mandela during a private visit at the former South African president’s home.

Mrs. Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, and her mother, Marian Robinson, were viewing some of Mandela’s personal papers at his foundation Tuesday when — according to White House officials — he sent word that he wanted to meet them.

It was Mrs. Obama’s first meeting with the prisoner-turned-president.

Mr. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his role in the anti-apartheid movement. After his release, he went on to become the country’s first Black elected president.

Mrs. Obama’s niece and nephew, who are traveling with her, were also invited to meet Mandela.