Former Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula was appointed as political adviser to President Jacob Zuma on Monday, as the Presidency announced the influential figures that would aid the new President in his decisions.

Nqakula's previous experience also includes a stint as Minister of Defence, and as Parliamentary Counsellor to President Mbeki.

Other new appointments included Mandisi Mpahlwa, as President Zuma's new economic adviser. Mpahlwa came well qualified for the position having served as Minister of Trade and Industry until recently, as well as Deputy Minister of Finance from 1999 to 2004.

Lindiwe Zulu, South Africa's ambassador to Brazil until December 2008, was appointed international relations adviser. After leaving the diplomatic service, Zulu joined Albert Luthuli House as spokesperson leading up the April elections.

Advocate Bonisiwe Makhene was appointed as legal adviser to the President. He was previously deputy chief State law advisor in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

The position of Parliamentary Counsellor to the President is to be filled by Ayanda Dlodlo, a Member of Parliament. Dlodlo was a member of the ANC National Executive Committee and secretary-general of the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association.

In South Africa, advisers fall under the Policy Coordination and Advisory Services arm of the Presidency, which was one of three support structures. The other two structures of the Presidency were the Cabinet Office and the Legal and Executive Services.