It was a huge mistake not to retain Barbara Hogan as Minister of Health, the Freedom Front Plus said on Sunday.

"The decision not to retain Barbara Hogan as Minister of Health but rather as Minister of Public Enterprises is a huge mistake.

"She has without a doubt had the trust of the medical profession and had made a positive impression with the new initiatives which she had brought about. The new Minister will now have to start anew," FF Plus leader Pieter Mulder said in a statement.

Mulder, who was named deputy minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, however, welcomed the appointments of former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and former Transport Minister Jeff Radebe saying they were "positive" appointments.

"The new Cabinet is a totally new reshaping of the Cabinet and President Zuma has clearly put his stamp on it. This Cabinet cannot be viewed as a Mbeki or Motlanthe Cabinet.

"The fact that Mr. Trevor Manuel has been retained and is in charge of the very important new National Planning Commission is a positive step. So too the appointment of Mr Pravin Gordhan as Minister of Finance is the right decision. His knowledge and experience at Sars will stand him in good stead to the advantage of the economy and the markets should welcome it," Mulder said.

While he also hailed Radebe's appointment as a "fresh new start" that "should strategically be a good move", Mulder criticised the appointments of Lulu Xingwana and Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

"Retaining Lulu Xingwana as Arts and Culture Minister is viewed in a negative light. It is an important department and the FF Plus is not convinced that she has the necessary feeling for the complicated cultural diversity of South Africa.

"The appointment of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as the new Correctional Services Minister is a mistake. Correctional Services is a difficult Department which finds itself in a crisis and which needs a strong hand very urgently. This department did not get someone who has not displayed the necessary abilities," Mulder said.