The Office of the Chief Justice invites suitably qualified South Africans to apply for a range of permanent government vacancies across several divisions of the High Court and the National Office. These opportunities are ideal for candidates seeking to build or advance a career within the judicial system, with a strong emphasis on employment equity, professionalism, and service excellence.
Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply before the closing date of 30 January 2026.
Vacancy Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer: | Office of the Chief Justice |
| Closing Date: | 30 January 2026 |
| Locations: | KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Western Cape, Gauteng (Midrand), Bloemfontein, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town |
Post 01/95: Law Researcher
Reference No: 2025/372/OCJ
Salary: R468 459 – R551 894 per annum (Level 09)
Centre: KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, Durban
Requirements
- LLB Degree (NQF Level 8)
- Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant experience
- Superior Court or litigation experience (advantage)
- Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills
- Computer literacy and legal research databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis, Jutastat)
Duties
- Provide legal research and drafting support to Judges
- Prepare legal opinions, memoranda, and judgments
- Proofread judgments and verify legal references
- Monitor developments in case law and legislation
Applications: 2025/372/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Post 01/96: Senior Administrative Officer – Risk Management
Reference No: 2025/373/OCJ
Salary: R397 116 – R467 790 per annum (Level 08)
Centre: National Office, Midrand
Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF 6) in Risk Management / BCM / Public Management
- Two (2) years’ experience in Risk or Business Continuity Management
- Membership with IRMSA
- Knowledge of PFMA, Risk Management Frameworks, King Reports
Duties
- Coordinate departmental risk assessments
- Assist with risk governance and mitigation plans
- Support implementation of Business Continuity Management
- Provide administrative support to the Risk Management Unit
Applications: 2025/373/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Post 01/97: Judge’s Secretary (X3 Posts)
Reference No: 2025/374/OCJ
Salary: R325 101 – R382 959 per annum (Level 07)
Centre: Supreme Court of Appeal, Bloemfontein
Requirements
- Grade 12 with at least one year secretarial experience
- Legal qualification or LLB modules completed (advantage)
- Typing and administrative skills
Duties
- Provide secretarial support to Judges
- Type judgments, correspondence, and memoranda
- Manage diaries, travel arrangements, and court recordings
Applications: 2025/374/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Post 01/98: Human Resource Clerk
Reference No: 2025/375/OCJ
Salary: R228 321 – R268 950 per annum (Level 05)
Centre: KwaZulu-Natal Local Division of the High Court, Durban
Requirements
- Grade 12 (no experience required)
- HR qualification and PERSAL knowledge (advantage)
Duties
- Support recruitment and appointment processes
- Assist with HR records, PMDS, and PERSAL transactions
Applications: 2025/375/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Post 01/99: Administration Clerk (CRT)
Reference No: 2025/376/OCJ
Salary: R228 321 – R268 950 per annum (Level 03)
Centre: Free State Division of the High Court
Requirements
- Grade 12 (NQF 4)
- CRT machine operation (advantage)
Duties
- Digital recording of court proceedings
- Case administration and document management
Applications: 2025/376/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Post 01/100: Secretary
Reference No: 2025/377/OCJ
Salary: R228 321 – R268 950 per annum (Level 05)
Centre: Western Cape Provincial Service Centre
Requirements
- Grade 12
- Secretarial qualification and office management experience (advantage)
Duties
- Diary and office administration for Director: Court Operations
- Prepare reports, correspondence, and meeting minutes
Applications: 2025/377/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Post 01/101: Usher Messenger
Reference No: 2025/378/OCJ
Salary: R163 680 – R192 810 per annum (Level 03)
Centre: Western Cape Division of the High Court, Cape Town
Requirements
- Grade 12
- One year general administration experience (advantage)
Duties
- Courtroom support and messenger services
- Assist judges, litigants, and court staff
Applications: 2025/378/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Post 01/102: Food Service Aid
Reference No: 2025/379/OCJ
Salary: R163 680 – R192 810 per annum (Level 03)
Centre: KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, Pietermaritzburg
Requirements
- ABET Level 2
- Hospitality experience (advantage)
Duties
- Catering and food service support
- Maintain hygiene, food safety, and stock control
Applications: 2025/379/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted on the new Z83 application form, accompanied by a recent comprehensive CV only. Applications must be sent in one PDF file.
To apply and for more details, visit the Office of the Chief Justice official website:
https://www.judiciary.org.za
Alternatively, applications may be emailed directly to the relevant email address listed under each post or submitted to the relevant provincial or national office as stated in the advert.