Tánaiste Micheál Martin has paid tribute to the legacy of Nelson Mandela during a visit to a township in South Africa.
Mr Martin, who is undertaking a five-day visit in South Africa and Mozambique, also met President Cyril Ramaphosa - a man who played a key role in the creation and implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
First declared by the United Nations in 2009, Mandela Day is an annual international day which pays tribute to the iconic South African leader. While it is not a national holiday, it is regarded as a very special occasion in his native country.
Mr Martin discussed the legacy of the anti-apartheid activist during a visit to a community group in Mamelodi - a township outside Pretoria.
There, he met local school children and planted trees in the community garden.
The Tánaiste held a bilateral meeting with the South African foreign minister, followed by a courtesy call on President Ramaphosa.
Mr Ramaphosa was one of the mediators who visited Northern Ireland in 1996. He also played a key role when South Africa hosted discussions between the parties during a delicate stage in the negotiations.
Mr Ramaphosa was subsequently brought to Ireland in 2000 to carry out secret weapons inspections during the IRA decommissioning process.
Tomorrow, Mr Martin will depart for Mozambique where the focus will be on health, education and agricultural programmes supported by Irish aid.
