President Jacob Zuma has appointed Ebrahim Ebrahim as his parliamentary counsellor in the National Assembly, the presidency said on Thursday.
"A veteran of the struggle, Mr Ebrahim is the former deputy minister of international relations and co-operation and has also served in the presidency before as political adviser to the then deputy president Zuma," spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
Ebrahim was appointed with immediate effect. He takes over from former communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda, who was appointed to the position in 2010.
The parliamentary counsellor is the president's personal representative in Parliament, keeping him abreast of developments and providing advice.
Under the Constitution, Zuma ceased to be an MP on his election as president.