Taoiseach arrives in South Africa

The Taoiseach has arrived in Cape Town on day one of his official trip to South Africa and Tanzania.

Bertie Ahern is leading the largest ever trade mission to South Africa.

He is also due visit projects in Tanzania that have benefited from Irish Aid donations.

The Taoiseach's trip is aimed at developing Irish-South African bilateral and trade relations.

It will allow Bertie Ahern examine projects being funded by Irish Aid.

His official engagements begin tomorrow morning, when he visits the Niall Melon Township Trust.

On Tuesday Bertie Ahern travels to Johannesburg for talks with South African President Thabo Mbeki.

He will also host a Trade Mission involving more than 50 Irish firms, who have travelled with him to South Africa to explore business opportunities in the region.

On Tuesday Mr Ahern also departs for Tanzania where he will hold meetings with the country's political leaders and witness first hand the impact of Ireland's development assistance.