New South Africa's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has moved decisively to consign Jacob Zuma’s discredited administration to the dustbin of history

The new leader has brought back former stalwarts to bolster the economy.

He swapped the finance minister, 46-year-old Malusi Gigaba, who was accused of serving corrupt interests and lacking business expertise, for the respected former minister Nhlanhla Nene, 59.

He has also installed respected former finance minister Pravin Gordhan, 68, as public enterprises chief.  Expectedly, Mr Gordhan’s task will be to rebuild state-owned companies such as the struggling national airline and the power company that were hampered by patronage under Mr Zuma.