President Jacob Zuma has heeded calls to consult more extensively on the appointment of Constitutional Court judges.
"Significantly, president Zuma seems to have conceded to three of the requests we made," Zille said.
"This is an important step towards real and meaningful consultation."
In a letter to Zille, Zuma asked for consultation and submissions on all four candidates on the shortlist, not just his preferred choice as in the past.
Zuma also gave opposition leaders a more reasonable period of 12 days to revert back to him, she said.
"Previously he had asked for consultation only at the very last moment, when his mind was seemingly already made up. The important change of heart opens the door for consultation on judicial appointments to become a meaningful endeavour."
Three Supreme Court of Appeal judges – Ronnie Bosielo, Mandisa Maya and Robert Nugent – have been shortlisted for the vacancies, along with acting Constitutional Court judge Ray Zondo.
The presidency could not respond to a request for comment by late Wednesday afternoon. – Sapa