Ramaphosa retains several old ANC hands in Cabinet to 'ensure the incoming government will be effective'

CAPE TOWN - While President Cyril Ramaphosa says his new national executive gives consideration to gender and youth, he's decided to retain several old hands from his own party. 

After 15 years in charge of basic education, 69-year-old Angie Motshekga will finally have to switch gears to take over the ministry of defence.

Meanwhile, after a term at home affairs, the 65-year-old medical doctor, Aaron Motsoaledi, returns to the health portfolio while the former minister, Joe Phaahla, is demoted to once again assume the deputy role.

While the Government of National Unity (GNU) has ensured many new faces in the executive, Ramaphosa has chosen to keep several of the African National Congress (ANC)'s old guard in the same portfolios. 

These include Enoch Godongwana at finance, Blade Nzimande at science and technology and Gwede Mantashe at mineral and petroleum resources. 

"We’ve had to ensure the incoming government will be effective and that it will have people with the experience, the skills and capabilities to deliver on its mandate."

Ronald Lamola moves from justice to replace Naledi Pandor at international relations, while Senzo Mchunu steps in at police – a portfolio left vacant by Bheki Cele also not making the parliamentary cut. 

Barbara Creecy moves to transport while Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams stays at small business development. 

Khumbudzo Ntshaveni also stays as the president’s closest ally in the Union Buildings, a post the Democratic Alliance (DA) had been eyeing in its negotiations. 

As the only appointment from an opposition party in his last Cabinet, 73-year-old Patricia de Lille gets another stint at tourism.