SOUTH AFRICAN CABINET IS SWORN-IN

Mr Zuma unveiled his new cabinet on Sunday a day after his inauguration

The new South African cabinet appointed by President Jacob Zuma has been sworn into office.

Mr Zuma has said his priority is to ensure his ministers start delivering the governing ANC's pledges.

He also expressed confidence that the financial markets would react positively to the appointment of the new finance minister, Pravin Gordhan.

The cabinet is expected to meet within the next week to map out its plan of action.

Mr Zuma unveiled his new cabinet on Sunday a day after his inauguration.

The African National Congress leader's party won the general election last month, albeit with a slightly reduced majority.

Mr Zuma has named Pravin Gordhan as his new finance minister.

KEY CABINET POSTS Deputy President: Kgalema Motlanthe National Planning Commission: Trevor Manuel Monitoring and Evaluation: Collins Chabane Finance: Pravin Gordhan Justice: Jeff Radebe Defence: Lindiwe Sisulu Health: Aaron Motsoaledi International relations: Maite Nkoana-Mashabane Minister of Human Settlements: Tokyo Sexwale Zuma's cabinet: Press reaction New cabinet calms markets

Mr Gordhan replaces Trevor Manuel, the world's longest-serving finance minister, who has been moved to head a new national planning body.

Aaron Motsoaledi has been appointed to the key post of health minister, as the country tackles an HIV/Aids epidemic.

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.

One of the biggest surprise appointments was Dr Pieter Mulder, leader of the Afrikaner nationalist Freedom Front Plus party, who becomes deputy minister of agriculture.

This will give white Afrikaners a voice in government, the BBC's Peter Biles in Johannesburg says.

The ANC has pledged to improve education and healthcare, create jobs and tackle a soaring crime rate.

Mr Zuma is under pressure from his grass-roots supporters to increase state spending on job creation, delivering services such as water, housing and electricity and improving the education system.

But analysts say investors would be alarmed if spending was increased too much.

BBC NEWS REPORT.