South Africa's new cabinet sworn in

The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) criticised the cabinet shake-up.

DA leader Hellen Zille said the new cabinet does not inspire confidence that South Africa's major challenges - as weak economic growth, unemployment and corruption - will be tackled effectively in Zuma's second term.

She criticised Zuma for expanding his already excessively large executive to include more new departments and several additional deputy ministers.

"What the government needs is a leaner, more effective administration, not an ever growing executive. It is clear that these new positions have little to do with efficiency, and everything to do with solving the ANC's (African National Congress) internal political problems at public expense," Zille said.

But the ANC Monday dismissed criticism that Zuma has appointed a bloated administration as a form of reward for his comrades.

ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte said they had to create new ministries and appoint several deputies in departments that are crucial to basic service delivery.