Johannesburg  - South African President Jacob Zuma was set to name his cabinet on Sunday, a day after he was sworn into office promising to heal the wounds of years of infighting with the ruling African National Congress.

Zuma's cabinet choices are eagerly awaited for an indication of the direction in which he intends to take the country, particularly the economy.

Some of his staunchest supporters within the ANC-led governing alliance are the South African Communist Party and trade union federation COSATU, who are calling for more state intervention in industry and a reduced focus on balancing budgets and checking inflation.

Of particular interest is Zuma's choice of finance minister. Current finance minister Trevor Manuel is a star performer, credited with steering South Africa out of massive post-apartheid debt to budget surpluses that allowed for more spending on social grants.

Manuel has held the post for 13 years. If he is not retained at finance, he is tipped to head up a new planning commission attached to the president's office.

Health is another key portfolio in South Africa, which has the highest burden of HIV/AIDS in the world.

The health community cheered when Zuma's predecessor replaced controversial ex-minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, dubbed Dr Beetroot for promoting vegetable remedies for AIDS symptoms.

The current minister Barbara Hogan is a no-nonsense anti-AIDS crusader but she got a slap on the wrist from government for openly criticizing its refusal to issue the Dalai Lama a visa to visit in March. She later apologized. (dpa)