Pretoria - A ceremonial guard and 21-gun salute greeted the arrival of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the capital city.
After inspecting a military guard of honour, Lula was introduced to Cabinet ministers and their deputies.
President Zuma then slowly led his counterpart away from the red-carpeted and flower-bedecked amphitheatre into the West Wing of the Union Buildings, for bilateral meetings.
The two presidents are expected to discuss issues around strengthening economic relations, amongst others.
A declaration launching a South Africa-Brazil strategic partnership and a memorandum of understanding on inter-governmental co-operation, will also be signed.
Presidents Zuma and Lula will hold a press conference after the meetings, followed by a visit to Freedom Park and a State banquet in the evening.