South Africa's president moves mines minister to new portfolio

September 23, 2015 6:23 AM

Zuma had selected Ramatlhodi to the mines post after the ruling ANC party won a May 2014 national election, amid a crippling platinum strike, the longest in the history of the sector.

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma answers questions in parliament in Cape Town August 6, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings

South African President Jacob Zuma has moved mines minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi to the public service and administration portfolio, replacing a colleague who died in an accident in March, he said on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by the presidency, Zuma said he had appointed Mosebenzi Zwane, a member of the Free State provincial government, to take over as new mineral resources minister.

Zuma had selected Ramatlhodi to the mines post after the ruling ANC party won a May 2014 national election, amid a crippling platinum strike, the longest in the history of the sector.