PRETORIA, June 13 (NNN-BUANEWS) -- South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has announced several changes to his Cabinet in the wake of three vacancies in the National Executive following the death of Minister of Public Service and Administration Roy Padayachie, the resignation of Economic Development Deputy Minister Enoch Godongwana and the move of former Deputy Minister of Public Works Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu to the Ministry of Women, Children and People with Disabilities.

President Zuma announced here Tuesday that Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu would take over the portfolio of Public Service and Administration, while Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula would move to Defence.

Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele has been moved to the Correctional Services portfolio, while Ben Martins will take over from Ndebele. Jeremy Cronin has been moved from Department of Transport to Public Works as deputy minister.

Other deputy minister appointments included those of Sindisiwe Chikunga to the Transport portfolio, Gratitude Magwanishe to Public Enterprises, Hlengiwe Mkhize to Economic Development and Mduduzi Manana to Higher Education and Training.

President Zuma also announced that Mangwashi Victoria Phiyega had been appointed the new National Police Commissioner, replacing General Bheki Cele, who was the subject of an investigation into charges of misconduct.

The president, who met Cele last Friday to discuss with him the report of the Board of Inquiry, had announced the establishment of the board to probe allegations of misconduct by Cele and to pronounce on his fitness for office or his capacity to execute his official duties efficiently. -- NNN-BUANEWS