The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) in South Africa has announced several vacancies in its various provincial divisions. As an equal opportunity employer, the OCJ upholds the principles of the Employment Equity Act and the South African Constitution. This commitment to diversity means that preference will be given to women, persons with disabilities, and youth in line with the country’s employment equity goals.
Here, we explore the roles, requirements, and application processes to help potential candidates understand and prepare for their applications.
Office of the Chief Justice Vacancies Available
1. Judge’s Secretary
- Locations: Western Cape Division of the High Court (Cape Town), KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court (Pietermaritzburg)
- Salary: R308,154 – R362,994 per annum (Level 07)
Requirements
- Qualifications: Matric certificate with a typing or Secretarial Diploma. An LLB degree or at least 20 modules towards an LLB, BA or BComm Law, or a Paralegal qualification is an added advantage.
- Experience: 1–3 years of secretarial or office assistant experience.
- Skills: Proficiency in English, excellent typing and organizational skills, customer service abilities, computer literacy, and the capacity to manage administrative tasks under pressure.
- Additional: A valid driver’s license is required, and shortlisted candidates will undergo a competency or typing test.
Duties
The Judge’s Secretary is responsible for:
- Typing, arranging appointments, and managing the judge’s schedule.
- Maintaining and filing court documents securely.
- Assisting with court proceedings, such as digital recording and filing of court records.
- Managing the judge’s vehicle logbook and handling travel arrangements.
- Preparing reports, conducting legal research, and maintaining a judge’s library.
2. Registrar’s Clerk
- Locations: Western Cape Division of the High Court (Cape Town), KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court (Durban)
- Salary: R216,417 – R254,928 per annum (Level 05)
Requirements
- Qualifications: Matric certificate, experience in general administration, or court-related functions. A driver’s license and a paralegal or legal qualification are advantageous.
- Skills: Administrative and organizational skills, communication proficiency, customer service orientation, MS Office competency, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills.
Duties
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing support to the court, managing case files, and coordinating case management duties.
- Issuing court documents, assisting in correspondence, and filing court documents.
- Serving as a liaison between the judiciary, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders.
- Managing registers for civil and criminal matters and assisting in appeals, mental health cases, and petition matters.
3. Administration Clerk (DCRS)
- Location: Western Cape Division of the High Court (Cape Town)
- Salary: R216,417 – R254,928 per annum (Level 05)
Requirements
- Qualifications: Matric certificate or equivalent. A driver’s license and experience in court-related administration or case flow management would be beneficial.
- Skills: Good communication, computer literacy, problem-solving, public relations, document management, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Duties
- The Administration Clerk is responsible for supporting court functions, handling case recordings, and managing case flow.
- Duties include filing, data entry, customer service, and working closely with judges, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
- The role also requires maintaining confidentiality with sensitive government information and efficient record-keeping.
General Application Guidelines
Application Process
- Forms: Applications must be submitted using the New Z83 form, available on the Judiciary’s website (www.judiciary.org.za) or from any Public Service Department.
- Documents: Candidates must submit a comprehensive CV, which includes contactable references. Only shortlisted candidates will need to provide certified copies of qualifications.
- Submission: Applications can be submitted either by mail or hand-delivery to the specified addresses for each division. Alternatively, applications for some posts can be emailed to the respective recruitment addresses provided.
Key Points for Applicants
- Ensure that all details on the application form are complete, signed, and correctly filled. Incomplete forms may lead to disqualification.
- Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).
- Shortlisted candidates for certain positions will undergo practical assessments or competency tests to determine their suitability for the role.
- Applicants should be prepared to comply with a personnel suitability check, which may include criminal record, financial, and citizenship verification.
- For senior management positions, the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme certificate is required.
Employment Equity and Inclusivity
- The Office of the Chief Justice is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity. Applicants who are women, persons with disabilities, and youth will be given preference in accordance with the Employment Equity Act and the Department’s equity goals.
Closing Date
The application deadline for these positions is 08 November 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Checklist
- Complete the New Z83 application form fully.
- Attach a recent comprehensive CV with contact details for referees.
- Ensure the job title, reference number, and location are clearly indicated.
- For foreign qualifications, include a SAQA evaluation certificate.
- Submit applications by the specified methods (mail, hand-delivery, or email).
Related: Job Opportunities at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
Working with the Office of the Chief Justice offers a meaningful career opportunity in South Africa’s judicial system. These roles allow candidates to develop their skills within a supportive environment that values equity, inclusion, and professionalism.
With comprehensive application requirements and a focus on competence and dedication, the Office of the Chief Justice invites qualified and motivated individuals to contribute to the country’s legal and judicial administration.