South Africa’s new President Ramaphosa reshuffles cabinet

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.

David Mabuzza, 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.