President Jacob Zuma has, in terms of Section 3(2) (b) of the Judges Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Act, discharged the Honourable Mr Justice Thomas Dante Cloete of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Bloemfontein with effect from 16 May 2013.

Justice Cloete, who has served the country's judiciary for years, is due to reach the age of 65 years on the 15 May 2013, and would have performed active service as a judge for a period of more than 20 years. He would be eligible for discharge from active service with effect from 16 May 2013.

"On behalf of the Executive arm of Government and people of South Africa, I wish to extend our sincere good wishes to the Honourable Justice Cloete, we wish him a restful retirement and trust that, he would not be entirely lost to the nation if required to perform any national duty," said President Zuma.