Zuma appoints his Cabinet

Zuma appoints his Cabinet
Written by Reporter
Monday, May 11, 2009 11:47:41 PM

New South African President Jacob Zuma (right) has named Pravin Gordhan as his new finance minister. He will take over from Trevor Manuel, who has been appointed head of a new economic planning body.

Zuma has pledged to tackle the tough economic crisis, widespread poverty and rising crime, but insisted he will not hand out favours to his supporters.

The choice of health minister is also keenly awaited, as the country tackles an acute HIV/Aids problem.

Gordhan previously worked in the tax department and has been praised for steadily raising income.

As head of the new National Planning Commission, Manuel will now be responsible for strategic planning and co-ordination among government departments.

Zuma was elected president by parliament after the African National Congress won the general election last month, albeit with a slightly reduced majority.

His appointments were being watched for signs that he would reward left wing groups which supported his election campaign - including the South African Communist Party.

Communist party leader Blade Nzimande was named minister of higher education and training, but analysts say it is not a post likely to give him much influence over economic policy.

At his inauguration on Saturday, Mr Zuma warned of hard economic times ahead.

"Jobs are being lost in every economy across the world," he said. "We will not be spared the negative impact, and are beginning to feel the pinch."

Zuma is under pressure from his grassroots supporters to increase state spending on job creation, delivering services such as water, housing and electricity and improving the education system.

But investors would be alarmed if spending was increased too much.

They praised Manuel's handling of the economy during his 13 years as finance minister, saying he had largely kept state expenditure within limits the country can afford.

In other appointments, Barbara Hogan has been moved from health to public enterprises.

The health portfolio was given to provincial education minister from eastern South Africa, Aaron Motsoaledi.

Health experts had wanted Zuma to retain Hogan in the post. She took over from Manto Tshabalala-Msimang - a highly controversial minister criticised for her handling of South Africa's HIV/Aids epidemic - in October 2008.

Former President Kgalema Motlanthe has been named deputy president. -BBC