Pravin Gordhan, a widely respected Indian-origin politician, has been appointed as South Africa’s new Finance Minister by President Jacob Zuma, becoming the third finance chief of the country in a week amid a raging economic turmoil. Zuma sacked Nhlanhla Nene from the ministry and replaced him with the relatively unknown lawmaker David Rooyen. Credit agency Fitch downgraded South Africa on December 4, leaving the continent’s most sophisticated economy just one notch above junk status.

The choice of Rooyen, an ANC whip in Parliament’s standing committee of finance, was also questioned given his relative lack of experience in government. 66-year-old Gordhan’s appointment sent the Rand up almost 5% night, but failed to quell a tide of criticism of the president. Gordhan was widely respected when he served as South Africa’s finance minister from 2009 until 2014.

South Africa

• Table Mountain in Cape Town is believed to be one of the oldest mountains in the world.
• South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom has 9,600 plant species, 70% of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
• South Africa generates two-thirds of Africa’s electricity.
• South Africa is the world’s largest producer of macadamia nuts.
• South Africa is the sole producer of the Mercedes Benz C Class, right-hand drive vehicles.
• South Africa has the most luxurious train in the world, The Rovos Rail.