South Africa's minerals and energy minister Lindiwe Hendricks has been replaced after a government reshuffle.

In a move not widely anticipated, president Thabo Mbeki replaced the minister with Buyelwa Sonjica, formerly the minister for water affairs and forestry.

The two ministers have swapped departments, with Ms Hendricks now taking over duties as the new water affairs and forestry minister.

Ms Hendricks had only been in the role since June, after taking over from the now deputy president, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Deputy minerals and energy minister Lulu Xingwana was also given a new position as minister of agriculture and land affairs.

She had been known for a combative attitude towards some foreign-owned mines during her time in the minerals and energy ministry.

Ministers at the minerals and energy ministry have a key role in developing South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment programme within the mining industry, designed to reintegrate black South Africans and native people back into the country's economy to encourage broad-based economic growth.

The new ministers will be sworn in over the next few days.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd