The Cabinet reshuffle is a positive indication of "renewed focus on accountability", said the Democratic Alliance (DA) on Sunday.

"We particularly welcome the development in light of the fact that under former President Mbeki, no significant changes were made to the composition of the executive," DA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said in a statement.

The opposition party applauded President Jacob Zuma for removing Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda, Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya, and Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana.

"These ministers did not perform, and President Zuma made the right decision to remove them from their positions," Trollip said.

The appointments were announced by Zuma as follows:

- Communications Minister Siphiwe Nyanda was replaced by Roy Padayachie.

- Public Works Minister Geoff Doidge was replaced by Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde.

- Women, Children and People with Disabilities Minister Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya was replaced by Lulu Xingwana.

- Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana was replaced by Mildred Oliphant.

- Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica was replaced by Edna Molewa.

- Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan was replaced by Malusi Gigaba.

- Sports and Recreation Minister Makhenkesi Stofile was replaced by Fikile Mbalula.

- Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana was replaced by Paul Mashatile.

- Social Development Minister Edna Molewa was replaced by Bathabile Dlamini.

The reshuffle saw seven ministers being axed and 14 deputy ministers being appointed.