President Jacob Zuma on Friday announced he had appointed Leona Valerie Theron as a justice of the Constitutional Court following consultation with the Chief Justice and leaders of parties represented in the National Assembly.

Zuma’s office said Theron’s appointment would take effect on July 1. She is filling the vacancy left from the discharge from active service of Judge Johan van der Westhuizen.

“Justice Theron has served on the bench for more than 18 years including acting positions in various courts, including the Supreme Court of Appeal,” the presidency said.

President Zuma had congratulated Justice Theron and wished her all the best in her new important responsibility of advancing South Africa’s constitutional democracy, the statement added.