Zuma appoints Motlanthe South African deputy president

Source: Xinhua | 05-11-2009 09:51

JOHANNESBURG, May 10 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma on Sunday appointed his predecessor, outgoing Kgalema Motlanthe, deputy president in the new administration.

Introducing his new cabinet at a media briefing in Pretoria, Zuma also announced far-reaching changes to the structure of government.

Several departments have been split and new departments created. Among these is a new national planning commission in the presidency, to be headed by former finance minister Trevor Manuel.

South African Revenue Service commissioner Pravin Gordhan will replace Manuel as finance minister.

Barbara Hogan was moved to the portfolio of public enterprises and replaced by Aaron Motsoaledi as health minister.

Zuma has created two education ministries -- one for basic and one for higher education. The latter post went to South African Communist Party chief Blade Nzimande, while Angie Motshekga was put in charge of basic education.

Mining magnate Tokyo Sexwale will be minister of human settlements -- the new name for the housing department.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei