President Jacob Zuma has wished Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Thomas Cloete well with his retirement from next year.

Zuma has discharged Judge Cloete with effect from May 16, 2013.

Cloete served the country’s judiciary for many years and would reach the age of 65 years on May 15 next year.

He was a judge for more than 20 years and appointed to the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2003.

Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said Judge Cloete would be eligible for discharge from active service with effect from May 16, 2013.

Zuma thanked Cloete on behalf of government and the country’s people for his service.

Wishing Cloete a restful retirement, Zuma said he hoped the judge would not be entirely lost to South Africa if required to perform any national duties in the future.

-Sapa