The recipient of nine Twenty20 Internationals and four ODIs between October 2010 and November 2012, Theron was part of the Deccan Chargers' Indian Premier League campaign last month.

The 26-year-old was supposed to represent Northamptonshire two years ago, but the contract fell threw after his failure to secure a work permit.

Theron will join Sussex as their second overseas star after the recruitment of New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris at the start of the season.

"I am really looking forward to joining up with Sussex as they have been a leading county in T20 for the last three seasons," said Theron.

"Having spent two seasons playing club cricket in Brighton, I am pleased to be going back to renew old acquaintances and intend to be part of another successful year with the Sharks."

The Sharks will play their first game of the 2012 Friends Life T20 against the Kent Spitfires on Tuesday.

Last week saw the Yorkshire Tykes secure the services of Theron's Proteas team-mate, David Miller.