Are you looking to build your career in South Africa’s judicial system? The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has recently announced several exciting job opportunities for skilled and dedicated individuals to join its diverse team. From senior-level management roles to administrative support positions, these opportunities span a wide range of disciplines, offering competitive salaries and benefits.
Here’s an in-depth look at some of these job openings:
Office of the Chief Justice Vacancies
1. Deputy Director: Solutions Architecture
- Salary: R849 702 – R1 000 908 per annum (Level 11)
- Location: National Office, Midrand
- Requirements:
- Grade 12 and a National Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, Informatics, or equivalent (NQF level 6 with 360 credits).
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in system administration and support at Assistant Director/Junior Management level.
- Knowledge of TOGAF and Government Wide Enterprise Architecture (GWEA).
- Certifications in Microsoft Azure Administration, Microsoft Developing Solutions for Aure, Microsoft Azure DevOps Engineer, and MCSA: Windows Server/Cloud Technology.
- Skills in IT governance, risk compliance, project management, ICT architecture, and business analysis.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Duties:
- Provide systems administration and support for OCJ deployed solutions.
- Support Microsoft Azure cloud services and ensure cloud performance monitoring.
- Assist in project management for system design and implementation.
- Conform to governance and compliance standards.
- Active participation in developing ICT strategies and operational models.
- Maintain documentation and report regularly.
- Enquiries:
- Technical: Mr. D. Reid at (010) 493 8755
- HR: Mr. A. Khadambi at (010) 493 2500
- Applications: Email to Recruitment01@judiciary.org.za
2. Judge’s Secretary
- Salary: R308 154 – R362 994 per annum (Level 07)
- Location: Land Court, Randburg
- Requirements:
- Matric certificate.
- 1 to 3 years’ experience as a secretary or office assistant in a legal environment.
- Valid driver’s license.
- LLB degree or a minimum of 20 modules towards LLB, BA/Bcom Law degree (preferred but not mandatory).
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in MS Word and good research capabilities.
- Duties:
- Manage incoming and outgoing calls for the Judge.
- Diarize appointments and meetings.
- Type and file judgments and correspondence.
- Manage visitors and ensure proper documentation of documents.
- Ensure court files are ready and verified.
- Prepare bench books and manage court orders and judgments.
- Handle travel and accommodation arrangements.
- Submit logs and manage vehicle service bookings.
- Enquiries:
- Technical/HR: Ms. T. Mbalekwa at (010) 494 8515
- Applications: Email to Recruitment05@judiciary.org.za
3. Senior Court Interpreter (Ref No: 2024/160/OCJ)
- Salary: R308 154 – R362 994 per annum (Level 07).
- Location: Gauteng Division of The High Court, Pretoria.
- Requirements:
- Grade 12 certificate plus 10 years of practical experience in court interpreting.
- Alternatively, a 3-year National Diploma in Legal Interpreting or an equivalent qualification (NQF Level 6, 360 credits) with a minimum of 3 years’ practical experience in court interpreting.
- Proficiency in English and two or more indigenous languages (e.g., Afrikaans, isiXhosa).
- Must pass oral and written language proficiency testing.
- A valid driver’s license is advantageous.
- Strong communication skills, computer literacy (MS Office), good interpersonal skills, ability to work under pressure, problem-solving skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and customer service orientation.
- Duties:
- Provide interpreting services in criminal, civil, labour, and quasi-judicial proceedings.
- Offer interpreting services during consultations.
- Translate legal documents and exhibits.
- Assist in reconstructing court records.
- Develop legal terminology and create new words.
- Provide administrative support to the Judiciary, Court Manager, and Supervisor as required.
- Enquiries:
- Technical/HR related: Ms. T. Mbalekwa at (010) 494 8515.
- Application:
- Email applications to Recruitment06@judiciary.org.za.
- Note:
- The organization will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals.
4. Administration Clerk: DCRS (Ref No: 2024/161/OCJ)
- Salary: R216 417 – R254 928 per annum (Level 05).
- Location: Eastern Cape Division of The High Court, Gqeberha.
- Requirements:
- Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Computer literacy (MS Office).
- Good communication, administrative, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Good interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Duties:
- Operate the recording machine and ensure proper recording of court proceedings.
- Prepare, set up, and maintain recording equipment.
- Report any equipment malfunctions.
- Keep records of requests for transcription and time spent on cases.
- Scan documents, capture data, and provide general administrative support as required.
- Enquiries:
- Technical: Ms. P. Boya-Nyhiba at (041) 502 6626.
- HR: Mr. S. Mponzo at (043) 726 5217.
- Application:
- Email applications to Recruitment07@judiciary.org.za.
- Note:
- The organization will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals.
5. Registrar’s Clerk (Ref No: 2024162/OCJ)
- Salary: R216 417 – R254 928 per annum (Level 05).
- Location: Gauteng Division of The High Court, Johannesburg.
- Requirements:
- Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
- At least 1 year of relevant experience (advantageous).
- Understanding of appeal process and petition procedures (advantageous).
- General administration or court-related experience is beneficial.
- Valid driver’s license (advantageous).
- Good communication, administrative, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, solve problems, and provide excellent customer service.
- Duties:
- Provide effective support services to the court.
- Manage court processes and case management duties.
- Render customer support services and prepare court statistics.
- Maintain civil and criminal matter registers, and handle filing and archiving.
- Act as a liaison between judges, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders.
- Requisition accused persons from prison, attend to correspondence, and handle complaints.
- Administer mental health, petition, review, and appeal matters.
- Support electronic filing systems for lower courts and provide general administrative assistance as requested.
- Enquiries:
- Technical: Mr. R. Matonya at (010) 494 8395.
- HR: Ms. T. Mbalekwa at (010) 494 8515.
- Application:
- Email applications to Recruitment10@judiciary.org.za.
- Note:
- The organization will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals.
6. Typist (Ref No: 2024/163/OCJ)
- Salary: R183 279 – R215 892 per annum (Level 04).
- Location: Mbombela High Court.
- Requirements:
- Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
- Minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute.
- A valid driver’s license is advantageous.
- Computer literacy (MS Word).
- Good communication skills (written and verbal), attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and good time management.
- Duties:
- Typing legal documents such as appeals, reviews, reports, minutes, and affidavits.
- Providing relief administrative support when required.
- Filing, opening files, and handling appointments.
- Addressing public queries and performing other administrative duties as assigned.
- Enquiries:
- Technical: Ms. YV Seswene at (013) 492 2213.
- HR: Mr. S. Zwane / Mr. MV Maeko at (013) 758 0000.
- Application:
- Email applications to Recruitment08@judiciary.org.za.
- Note:
- Preference will be given to candidates in line with Employment Equity goals.
7. Messenger (Ref No: 2024/164/OCJ)
- Salary: R155 148 – R182 757 per annum.
- Location: Mpumalanga Division of The High Court, Middleburg.
- Requirements:
- Grade 10 or ABET certificate (Matric certificate is advantageous).
- Computer literacy (MS Word/Excel).
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Good interpersonal relations, customer service skills, and conflict management abilities.
- Professional appearance, self-management skills, and a good work ethic.
- Duties:
- Provide support to the court, ensuring it is prepared and functional.
- Assist by handling documents and exhibits in court.
- Support judges and advocates with administrative tasks.
- Collect and deliver files, documents, and post as required.
- Maintain professional conduct while interacting with court visitors.
- Enquiries:
- Technical/HR: Mr. S. Zwane / Mr. MV Maeko at (013) 758 0000.
- Application:
- Email applications to Recruitment09@judiciary.org.za.
- Note:
- Preference will be given to candidates in line with Employment Equity goals.
8. Judge’s Secretaries (Graduate Scheme)
- Number of Positions: 64 (33 in Pretoria, 31 in Johannesburg).
- Contract: 48 Months (Non-Renewable).
- Salary: R308 154 – R362 413 per annum (Level 07) plus 37% in lieu of benefits.
- Location: Gauteng Division of The High Court – Pretoria and Johannesburg.
- Requirements:
- Matric certificate and an LLB degree or a four-year legal qualification (or equivalent).
- Valid driver’s license.
- Typing proficiency (shortlisted candidates will undergo a typing test).
- Excellent communication skills, organizational skills, and confidentiality.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
- Duties:
- Manage incoming and outgoing telephone calls.
- Schedule appointments and meetings for the Judge.
- Type judgments and manage all correspondence.
- Handle incoming and outgoing documents, ensuring proper filing.
- Maintain and update Judge’s files and court records.
- Assist in court preparations, ensuring files are in place before the start of court proceedings.
- Liaise with legal practitioners and other stakeholders.
- Arrange travel and accommodation for the Judge and handle claims submissions.
- Provide general administrative support and update legal documents in the library.
- Enquiries:
- Technical: Ms. M. Campel at (010) 492 6799, Ms. S. Kajee at (010) 494 8589.
- HR: Ms. T. Mbalekwa at (010) 494 8515.
- Application:
- Email applications for Johannesburg High Court to Recruitment04@judiciary.org.za.
- Email applications for Pretoria High Court to Recruitment03@judiciary.org.za.
- Note:
- Preference will be given to candidates in line with Employment Equity goals.
How to apply
1. Application Submission Locations
- National Office (Midrand) and Constitutional Court:
- Address: Director of Human Resources, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X10, Marshalltown, 2107.
- Hand Deliver: Office of the Chief Justice, Human Resource Management, 188, 14th Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, 1685.
- Gauteng Division of the High Court: Johannesburg/Pretoria:
- Address: Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X7, Johannesburg, 2000.
- Hand Deliver: 12th Floor, Corner Pritchard and Kruis Street, Johannesburg.
- Mpumalanga Division of the High Court:
- Address: Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X20051, Mbombela, 1211.
- Hand Deliver: Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Office of the Chief Justice Provincial Service Centre, 311 Samora Machel Drive, Mbombela, 1200.
- Eastern Cape Division of the High Court: Gqeberha/Bisho:
- Address: Provincial Head, Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X13012, Cambridge 5206, East London.
- Hand Deliver: 59 Western Avenue, Sanlam Park Building, 2nd Floor, Vincent 5242, East London.
2. Application Format and Requirements
- All applications must use the new Z83 form (available on the Office of the Chief Justice website or DPSA website).
- The form should be accompanied by a comprehensive CV with contactable referees (include phone numbers and email addresses).
- Submit documents in PDF format and combine them into a single folder.
- Do not submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents unless shortlisted and requested by HR.
- Sign and initial each page of the application form. Incomplete or unsigned forms will be disqualified.
- Use the correct job title, reference number, and office location as indicated in the job advertisement.
Tip: Building a Winning CV: Tips for Success in South African Government Jobs
3. Requirements for Shortlisted Candidates
- Shortlisted candidates may be required to submit:
- Certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents.
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residence for non-South African citizens.
- Police clearance certificate for dual citizenship holders.
4. Special Considerations
- Foreign Qualifications: Must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
- Social Media Consent: Candidates may be required to provide consent to access their social media profiles.
- Senior Management Service (SMS) Positions:
- Applicants must complete the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme (endorsed by the National School of Government). More details are available on the NSG website.
5. General Information and Policies
- Late or non-compliant applications will not be considered.
- The Office of the Chief Justice will conduct personnel suitability checks (criminal record, financial, qualification verification, citizenship, references, and employment verification).
- Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
- If not contacted within three months of the closing date, consider the application unsuccessful.
- All successful candidates must enter into an employment contract and performance agreement within three months of appointment.
- Candidates must undergo security clearance within three months of appointment.
6. Protection of Personal Information
- The Office of the Chief Justice complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No. 4 of 2013.
- Personal information will be used for recruitment purposes only.
- If the application is unsuccessful, the Office will retain the personal information for internal audit purposes.
Closing Date: 18 October 2024
Each of these roles offers a unique opportunity to contribute to South Africa’s legal system. The OCJ prioritizes employment equity and encourages applications from candidates who align with their equity goals.