President Higgins visits South Africa

President Michael D. Higgins, accompanied by his wife Sabina, undertook an official working visit to Africa in November 2014. The President undertook engagements in Ethiopia, and Malawi before completing his visit to South Africa. The President was accompanied on the South African leg of his visit by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr Tom Hayes, T.D.

The President's visit recognised and built on Ireland's strong historic relationship with South Africa and the major contribution made by Ireland's development aid programmes and Irish missionaries. During the visit the President met with South African President Jacob Zuma and delivered two keynote addresses: on human rights at the University of the Witswatersrand, and on the opportunities for South Africa 20 years after its first democratic elections at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus in Johannesburg.

The President also visited Sonke Gender Justice, a South African NGO working throughout Africa to promote gender equality and prevent the spread of HIV. His programme also included several events involving the Irish community in South Africa, including a Gaelic Football tournament involving both Irish and South African participants. His itinerary also included visits to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and to Robben Island, the notorious former island prison off Cape Town where Nelson Mandela and many other struggle leaders were incarcerated.