Pretoria, 10 May-(ANA)-New South African President Jacob Zuma 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.
Mr 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.
Aaron Motsoaledi has been appointed to the key post of health minister, as the country tackles an HIV/Aids epidemic.
Mr Gordhan previously worked in the tax department and has been praised for steadily raising income.
As head of the new National Planning Commission, Mr Manuel will now be responsible for strategic planning and co-ordination among government departments.
Mr 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.
Former President Kgalema Motlanthe was named deputy president. (ANA)
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