President Jacob Zuma says he is still speaking to opposition parties about who he will appoint to the four vacant Constitutional Court posts.

On Thursday, he formally announced that Judge Sandile Ngcobo will take over as chief justice from Pius Langa.

It comes after the Judicial Service Commission decided not to nominate Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe to the top court after claims he interfered in cases relating to Zuma.

Zuma set the reconciliatory tone at the Presidential Guest House with warm praise for the man he overlooked for the top judicial job, Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke.

"He has been consistent in his obligation to uphold the values of a free society for which he and many others fought," said Zuma.

Langa responded saying the judiciary's relationship with government is improving.

"Those signs have been forthcoming, we are achieving unity after turbulent times," said Langa.

The ball is still in Zuma's court as the country waits to see who will join Ngcobo at Constitution Hill.