President Zuma fires Pravin Gordhan

"I have decided to make changes to the National Executive in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

"The changes bring some younger MPs and women into the National Executive in order to benefit from their energy, experience and expertise," says President Zuma.

He unsurprisingly culled the finance portfolio, but also made several other important changes - and appointed several lesser known people to prominent ministerial positions.

This includes moving flamboyant minister Fikile Mbalula to the Police Ministry - and appointing Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi to Sports and Recreation

Police Minister Nathi Nhleko has been under fire for a while, and has been moved to Public Works.

Ayanda Dlodlo replaces Faith Muthambi as Communications Minister, with Muthambi moved to Public Service and Administration.

Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom, who reportedly asked President Zuma to resign at an ANC NEC meeting, has been replaced by Tokozile Xasa.

Minister Tina Joemat-Peterson is replaced by Mmamoloko Kubayi - in the all-important Energy portfolio.

Despite intense criticism following the social grants debacle, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini keeps her job. 

"I have directed the new Ministers and Deputy Ministers to work tirelessly with their colleagues to bring about radical socio-economic transformation and to ensure that the promise of a better life for the poor and the working class becomes a reality," says President Zuma.

Here is the list of new ministers:

MINISTERS

1. Minister of Energy, Ms Mmamoloko 'Nkhensani' Kubayi

2. Minister of Transport, Mr Joe Maswanganyi

3. Minister of Finance, Mr Malusi Gigaba

4. Minister of Police, Mr Fikile Mbalula

5. Minister of Public Works, Mr Nathi Nhleko,

6. Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Thembelani Nxesi

7. Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa

8. Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Faith Muthambi

9. Minister of Home Affairs, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize

10. Minister of Communications, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo

DEPUTY MINISTERS

1. Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Dipuo

Letsatsi-Duba

2. Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Sifiso Buthelezi

3. Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Ben Martins

4. Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Maggie Sotyu

5. Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Gratitude Magwanishe 

6. Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms Thandi Mahambehlala,

7. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe 

8. Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Bongani Mkongi

9. Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams

10. Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Nomathemba November.

"I wish to extend my gratitude to the outgoing Ministers and Deputy Ministers for their service to the country. I also wish the new Ministers and Deputy Ministers the best in their new responsibilities," says President Zuma.