The delicate state of Nelson Mandela's health seems certain to overshadow US President Barack Obama's long-awaited visit to South Africa.
Issues of trade, the economy and African diplomacy will remain key topics of discussion.
But while the US President is expected to receive a warm welcome in Johannesburg, in Senegal President Obama encountered a different welcome.
While his hosts went through the diplomatic niceties, Senegalese President Macky Sall rebuffed Obama's call for Africans to give gays equal rights under the law.
Homosexuality is still a crime in Senegal.
South Africa is expected to be less confrontational, as gay marriage is already legal in that country.
And while recent unrest in Mali and Somalia is expected to be discussed, South Africa's and the global economy are more likely to take centre stage.
"What Zuma will be asking of Obama are iron-clad assurances that South Africa will have access to the American market come hell or high water," commentator Phillip De Wet said.
