ANC general secretary Gwede Mantashe has justified the appointment of individuals regarded as President Jacob Zuma loyalists to government positions.

ANC general secretary Gwede Mantashe has justified the appointment of individuals regarded as President Jacob Zuma loyalists to government positions.

Mantashe was responding to a report in theCity Press about how Zuma's new administration had given several jobs to his "pals".

These include former journalists Vusi Mona, who heads up communication services in the presidency, and Jon Qwelane, who was appointed high commissioner to Uganda.

Another Zuma loyalist is Ranjeni Ramsamy, who was appointed a communication strategist in the Ministry of Higher Education.

Other beneficiaries of Zuma's "job for pals" campaign include Jimmy Seepe, who formed part of the Zuma support group during the president's legal battles with the state.

Mantashe yesterday said those questioning the appointments have failed to prove that these individuals are incompetent.

"It is a manner of judgment by association," Mantashe concluded.