Former cabinet ministers who were overlooked by President Jacob Zuma were licking their wounds and plotting their political futures.

Women made a good showing ? making up around a third of the new cabinet.

Former Gauteng Education MEC Angie Motshekga was among the fresh female faces.

She would head up the Basic Education Department and was looking forward to working with outgoing Justice Minister Enver Surty who would serve as her deputy.

"I'm still in shock but it?s a humbling experience for me and I think it calls for sober thought in terms of deliberation and starting the new department," she said.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's was not included.

She topped the ANC's list of parliamentarians but was fairly elderly and may have opted not to serve in government.

There was no space in Zuma's administration for controversial ministers Brigitte Mabandla, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Ngconde Balfour.

Among Zuma's surprise decisions was the appointment of International Relations and Co-Operation Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane.

Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya was made head of the new Women?s Ministry.

Sadtu welcomed the separation of the Education Ministry into two departments.

Union President Thobile Ntola said this would bring the change needed in the country?s education system.

Some well-known education academics were ringing alarm bells saying they were concerned about these appointments.