HARARE, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday appointed new permanent secretaries, reassigned and retires some as he moves to reinvigorate his new government.

The reshuffling comes after he appointed two weeks ago, a lean 20-member cabinet comprising talented, young and experienced ministers, the state newspaper Herald reported Thursday.

On the permanent secretaries, Mnangagwa elevated long-serving secretary for information George Charamba to the position of deputy chief secretary responsible for presidential communications.

The appointments are with immediate effect.

Mnangagwa also appointed 18 permanent secretaries, reassigned 19 senior officials and retired nine others.

Among the new permanent secretaries appointed are former banker George Guvamatanga for the Ministry of Finance and engineer Gloria Magombo for Energy Ministry.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa also appointed Owen Ncube as the new minister of state for national security in the President's Office.

The appointment brings to 21 the number of cabinet ministers in the new government.