Looking for government jobs in South Africa? The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for several vacancies in Midrand, Mthatha, Kimberley, Cape Town, and Durban. These posts offer opportunities for professionals as well as entry-level applicants who want to build a career in the justice sector.
If you are interested in working for the judiciary and public service, now is a good time to apply. Make sure you submit your application before the closing date and use the correct reference number for the post you want.
| Employer | Office of the Chief Justice |
|---|---|
| Closing Date | 27 March 2026 |
| Location | Midrand, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Available posts
Deputy Director: Ethics and Integrity Management
Reference Number: 2025/422/OCJ
Centre: National Office, Midrand
Salary: R896 436 – R1 055 958 per annum (Level 11)
Requirements
Applicants must have a three-year National Diploma in Public Management, Public Administration, or an equivalent relevant qualification at NQF Level 6 recognised by SAQA. Candidates need at least five years of experience in ethics, integrity and management, with three years at Junior Management or Assistant Director level. Certification as an Ethics Officer and a valid driver’s licence are required.
Applicants should also have knowledge of the Public Service Act, public service regulations, DPSA directives and circulars, the Constitution of South Africa, PFMA, Treasury Regulations, the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, and forensic investigation processes. Good skills in communication, project management, report writing, planning, analysis, financial management, and computer literacy are also required.
Duties
The successful candidate will develop and monitor ethics and integrity, fraud prevention, and anti-corruption frameworks, policies and strategies. The role includes stakeholder engagement, managing financial disclosures, conducting lifestyle audit reviews, monitoring other remunerative work, providing ethics awareness programmes, advising on conflict of interest, identifying corruption risks, and managing the sub-directorate and related HR functions.
How to apply
Applications can be sent via email to 2025/422/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Judge Secretary
Reference Number: 2025/425/OCJ
Centre: Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Mthatha
Salary: R325 101 – R382 959 per annum (Level 07)
Requirements
Applicants must have an LLB degree or at least 20 completed modules towards an LLB, BA Law or BCom Law degree. Academic results must be attached to the application. A minimum of one year of secretarial or office assistant experience is required. A valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.
Candidates should have good English proficiency, communication skills, administration and organisational skills, typing ability, confidentiality, time management, computer literacy in MS Word, and research skills.
Duties
Duties include managing incoming and outgoing calls, arranging the Judge’s diary, typing judgments, filing correspondence, receiving visitors, recording documents, ordering stationery, preparing court files, updating review registers and reserved judgment templates, handling travel and accommodation arrangements, processing logbooks and claims, and ensuring court roll submissions.
How to apply
Applications can be sent via email to 2025/425/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Registrar
Reference Number: 2025/423/OCJ
Centre: Northern Cape Division of the High Court, Kimberley
Salary: R324 579 – R1 111 323 per annum (MR3–MR5)
Requirements
Applicants must have an LLB degree or a four-year legal qualification. At least two years of post-qualification legal experience is required.
MR3 requires a minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification legal experience.
MR4 requires at least 8 years’ post-qualification legal experience.
MR5 requires at least 14 years’ post-qualification legal experience.
Superior court or litigation experience will be an added advantage. Candidates must have strong communication, numerical, problem-solving, planning, customer service, interpersonal, conflict management and computer skills.
Duties
The successful candidate will manage quasi-judicial functions, issue court processes, coordinate case flow management, process appeals and reviews, deal with unopposed divorces and pre-trial conferences, authenticate legal signatures, supervise staff, provide practical training, manage case records, and execute requests from the judiciary.
How to apply
Applications can be sent via email to 2025/423/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Registrar (12 Months Contract)
Reference Number: 2025/424/OCJ
Centre: Northern Cape Division of the High Court, Kimberley
Salary: R324 579 – R1 111 323 per annum (MR3–MR5)
Requirements
Applicants must have an LLB degree or a four-year legal qualification with at least two years’ post-qualification legal experience.
MR3 requires 2 years’ experience, MR4 requires 8 years, and MR5 requires 14 years. Superior court or litigation experience will be an added advantage.
Candidates should have strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, planning, organising, customer service, decision-making, conflict management, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Duties
This post involves managing quasi-judicial functions, issuing processes, initiating court proceedings, coordinating interpreting services, appeals and reviews, facilitating pre-trial conferences, quality checking criminal record books, authenticating signatures, supervising staff, training Registrar’s Clerks, and managing case records.
How to apply
Applications can be sent via email to 2025/424/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Administration Clerk: DCRS
Reference Number: 2025/428/OCJ
Centre: Western Cape Division of the High Court, Cape Town
Salary: R228 321 – R268 950 per annum (Level 05)
Requirements
Applicants must have a Grade 12 certificate. At least one year of experience in court recording is required. Exposure to court-related functions and a valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.
Candidates should have computer literacy, good communication skills, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving ability.
Duties
The role includes digital recording of court proceedings, maintaining the integrity of recordings, supporting circuit courts, collecting statistics, providing administrative support for court performance and case flow management, and assisting with HR, finance and supply chain support as required.
How to apply
Applications can be sent via email to 2025/428/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Usher Messenger Supervisor
Reference Number: 2025/429/OCJ
Centre: Western Cape Division High Court, Cape Town
Salary: R228 321 – R268 950 per annum (Level 05)
Requirements
Applicants must have a Grade 12 certificate and at least three years of experience as an Usher Messenger. A valid driver’s licence will be an advantage.
Candidates should have knowledge of relevant legislation, supervisory ability, planning and organising skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, decision-making ability, listening skills, computer skills, and attention to detail.
Duties
The successful candidate will allocate usher messengers, draft court rolls, provide support to Judges and staff, monitor confidentiality procedures, compile productivity statistics, conduct in-house training, coordinate tasks for the Judge President’s office, facilitate post collection, distribute court rolls, allocate courtrooms, assist with courtroom setup, support legal practitioners, distribute files, supervise staff, manage leave, performance and discipline, and monitor work systems.
How to apply
Applications can be sent via email to 2025/429/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Usher Messenger
Reference Number: 2025/430/OCJ
Centre: KwaZulu-Natal Local Division of the High Court, Durban
Salary: R163 680 – R192 810 per annum (Level 03)
Requirements
Applicants must have a Grade 10 certificate or ABET Level 3. No experience is required. A valid driver’s licence will be an added advantage.
Candidates should have communication skills, problem-solving skills, public relations ability, monitoring and analytical skills, computer literacy, planning and organising skills, and customer focus.
Duties
Duties include rendering administrative support to Judges and courtrooms, escorting members of the bench, maintaining order in courtrooms, checking motion court rolls, maintaining courtroom records, arranging court files, reporting missing files, archiving documents, assisting with scheduling court matters, arranging case representation, negotiating courtroom allocation, and collecting and distributing court files.
How to apply
Applications can be sent via email to 2025/430/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
How to apply
Applicants must submit a new Z83 form and a recent comprehensive CV only. Referees’ telephone numbers and email addresses must be included in the CV. Documents must be combined into one PDF file.
Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified copies of qualifications and other supporting documents. Applications must clearly state the correct post title, reference number, and office where the post is advertised. Applications using the old Z83 form will not be considered.
To download the Z83 form and read more details, visit the Office of the Chief Justice official website or the DPSA vacancies page.
Important notes
The Office of the Chief Justice is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to women, persons with disabilities, and youth in line with Employment Equity goals.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a practical exercise and an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. SMS candidates must also complete the Nyukela Programme: Pre-entry Certificate to Senior Management Services through the National School of Government.
Late applications, incomplete applications, or applications that do not meet the stated requirements will not be considered.