Giant Nelson Mandela statue unveiled in South Africa

The 30 feet high memorial to the country’s first black president was unveiled on South Africa's Day of Reconciliation

A newly unveiled statue of former South African President Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa (Getty Images)

A statue of Nelson Mandela has been unveiled in the South African capital Pretoria, a day after he was buried.

The nine metre (30 feet) high bronze rendering of the country’s first black president will stand outside the government’s headquarters known as the Union Buildings.

Portraying Mr Mandela with his arms outstretched, speaking at the unveiling, the current South African President, Jacob Zuma, said it is designed to to show that he had embraced the entire nation.

Mr Mandela had a full state funeral at his ancestral home on Sunday following a 10-day mourning period after he passed away aged 95.

The statue was unveiled on South Africa's Day of Reconciliation, a holiday which marks the end of racial conflict in the country.

“Former President Mandela is associated with the promotion of reconciliation which is why the day was chosen for the unveiling,” said the South African government.