United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrived in South Africa Monday morning for a three-day visit that will include talks with President Thabo Mbekion the global body's reform.

Annan, who was on his first official visit to South Africa since assuming leadership of the UN in 1997, is to meet Mbeki at the president's Tuynhuys office in Cape Town on Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"The official visit is... taking place within the context of ongoing consultations with member states regarding the proposed package of comprehensive reform of the UN including the UN Security Council as well as international financial institutions," the statement said.

"In this regard, President Mbeki will meet with the UN Secretary-General within the context of South Africa's conviction that the multilateral system of global governance remains our only hope in resolving current challenges facing the international community," it added.

Annan is scheduled to address the National Assembly on Tuesday, reflecting on his tenure thus far and on challenges facing the multi-lateral system.

He was expected to pay a courtesy call to former president Nelson Mandela, visit the Hector Petersen memorial in Soweto, hold discussions with civil society representatives, and interact with local UN staff.

"South Africa is indeed honored to host and to be associated with this eminent and great son of Africa who has played a critical role in shaping global affairs in ongoing efforts to create peace, stability, sustainable development while pushing back the frontiers of poverty and underdevelopment," said the statement.

Annan is to depart South Africa for Madagascar on Wednesday.

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2006)