South Africa: Ramaphosa stamps mark with cabinet reshuffle Published duration 26 February 2018

image copyright AFP image caption ANC veteran Cyril Ramaphosa succeeded President Zuma on 15 February

New South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced his cabinet, making substantial changes to ministerial positions.

He reappointed Nhlanhla Nene as finance minister, reversing his sacking by the former President Jacob Zuma.

Mr Zuma, who is facing charges of corruption, was forced to stand down earlier this month by his own party.

Mr Ramaphosa took over, promising a "new dawn" for the country and pledging to be tough on corruption.

"In making these changes, I have been conscious of the need to balance continuity and stability with the need for renewal, economic recovery and accelerated transformation," Ramaphosa said, while announcing the appointments in Pretoria on Monday night.

He kept several ministers appointed by his predecessor, but other former allies of the former president were demoted or lost their jobs.

media caption Cheers and song as Ramaphosa elected South Africa president

David Mabuza, the deputy president of the African National Congress (ANC) ruling party, was named Deputy President of South Africa.

Mr Zuma's ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who Mr Ramaphosa beat in December's ANC leadership election, was appointed minister to the presidency.

The biggest headline is his re-appointment of Nhlanhla Nene into the finance role he was fired from in December 2015. At the time the move was widely criticised, sparking panic among investors and causing the Rand to fall to record-lows against the Dollar.

He came to power after a turbulent departure by his predecessor, who resisted days of internal party pressure to resign from his post.