The Zuma Cabinet announcement was guaranteed to drop a few surprises; such as former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel's successor and the fate of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. We bring you a guide to the important shufflings in the Cabinet.

What's new?

Unarguably the biggest new posting is the National Planning Commission. Helmed by former finance minister Trevor Manuel, he will be responsible for overseeing all spheres of the government. This was introduced in an attempt to monitor performance and strategic planning. "This would enable us to take a more comprehensive view of socio-economic development in the country," President Zuma explained during the cabinet announcement.

The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities is another new portfolio. The introduction of this ministry is a contentious issue on iafrica, with varying opinions. This portfolio was introduced to focus on issues facing these vulnerable sectors of society.

The Ministry of Economic Development, an off-shoot of the Finance Ministry sparked a lot of interest as well. This portfolio seeks to differ from its parent's more budget-oriented approach by placing emphasis on creating jobs and building the economy. The role of the minister will be to "centralise economic planning", the ANC's Gwede Mantashe told Business Day.

Education is undoubtedly an important, and often undesirable department; but the split into Basic and Higher Education ministries will lessen the workload and pressure upon the respective ministers. Basic education covers grades 1?12 while Higher education covers tertiary studies.

Previously under the same banner as environmental affairs, another new post is the Ministry of Tourism, thanks to 2010 being around the corner.

With South Africa consisting of mainly rural settlements, it was only logical that they receive attention. The Ministry of Rural Development and Land Reform was formed for this reason. With unequal land distribution, lack of running water and electricity and housing all problems facing rural areas; the government will be trying to improve service delivery with this department.

A wolf in sheep's clothing?

Numerous portfolios have been renamed to either reflect a new focus or for seemingly no reason - starting with the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans.

The addition of a ministry to ensure the wellbeing of both Umkhonto we Sizwe and post-apartheid servicemen and women stems from the Polokwane conference, with MK members pushing for it. This was despite the fact that issues relating to military veterans were already the deputy defence minister's responsibility. You have to ask what the Zuma-supporting veterans would be getting out of this?

The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation is one portfolio that was changed for seemingly no reason. However, the name sounds less confrontational and more diplomatic than the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, perhaps in an attempt to foster goodwill among other countries.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is another new portfolio that saw a name change. Following the same path as Japan, Australia, Korea and Cambodia among other countries; South Africa decided to merge agriculture with forestry and fisheries to create one department in control of natural resources.

The Ministry of Housing has been changed to Ministry of Human Settlements. Is this an attempt to make the department sound more politically correct (i.e. housing perhaps excludes shacks)?

The Ministry of Intelligence has also undergone a change, and is now known as the Ministry of State Security. All jokes aside, it is quite clear that this department will be concerned with threats to the State.