Published: 31 August 2026
Last checked: 3 September 2026
Closing date: 11 September 2026
Advertisement status: Open
Amended advertisement: No OCJ amendment identified in the supplied advertisement
Withdrawal: No withdrawal identified for the OCJ posts covered in this article
Application method: Email
Official source: Office of the Chief Justice and Department of Public Service and Administration
Employer: Office of the Chief Justice
Download Circular 31 of 2026 PDF
[DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL CIRCULAR 31 OF 2026 PDF]
The official Circular 31 of 2026 PDF is available through the Department of Public Service and Administration and the Office of the Chief Justice vacancy page. Use the official advertisement as the final source before applying.
Vacancy Summary
| Position | Reference number | Location | Salary | Minimum qualification | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law Researcher | 2026/116/OCJ | Pretoria, Gauteng Division of the High Court | R487 197 – R573 897 per year, Level 09 | LLB Degree, NQF Level 8 | 3 years legal research experience |
| Principal Librarian | 2026/117/OCJ | Johannesburg, Gauteng Division of the High Court | R413 001 – R486 501 per year, Level 08 | National Diploma in Library Science/Information Science or equivalent, NQF Level 6 | 2 years Library Services experience |
| Internal Auditor | 2026/118/OCJ | National Office, Midrand | R338 106 – R398 277 per year, Level 07 | National Diploma in Internal Audit or equivalent, NQF Level 6 | 2 years relevant experience |
| Human Resource Clerk | 2026/119/OCJ | Eastern Cape Provincial Service Centre | R237 453 – R279 708 per year, Level 05 | Grade 12 or equivalent, NQF Level 4 | 1 year HR experience is an advantage |
| Security Supervisor, 2 posts | 2026/120/OCJ | Pretoria, Gauteng Division of the High Court | R237 453 – R279 708 per year, Level 05 | Grade 12 | 1 year relevant experience |
| Security Supervisor | 2026/121/OCJ | Johannesburg, Gauteng Division of the High Court | R237 453 – R279 708 per year, Level 05 | Grade 12 | 1 year relevant experience |
| Usher Messenger | 2026/122/OCJ | Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Division of the High Court | R170 226 – R200 523 per year, Level 03 | Grade 10/ABET Level 3 | 1 year relevant experience is an advantage |
The supplied advertisement lists the positions under Office of the Chief Justice, including Law Researcher, Principal Librarian, Internal Auditor, Human Resource Clerk, Security Supervisors and Usher Messenger.
Table of Contents
- Circular 31 of 2026
- Employment Type
- Location
- Introduction
- About the Employer
- Why DPSACircular.co.za Is Publishing This Vacancy
- Editorial Review
- Available Office of the Chief Justice Jobs
- Law Researcher
- Principal Librarian
- Internal Auditor
- Human Resource Clerk
- Security Supervisor
- Usher Messenger
- What the Requirements Mean
- Who Should Apply?
- Who Should Not Apply?
- Application Checklist
- How to Apply
- Common Application Mistakes
- Official Source
- Related Jobs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Author
- Disclaimer
Circular
Public Service Vacancy Circular 31 of 2026.
The Department of Public Service and Administration identifies Circular 31 of 2026 as Public Service Vacancy Circular Publication No. 31 of 2026. The circular contains advertisements from South African public service departments. The Office of the Chief Justice appears under Annexure J, covering pages 56 to 61 of the circular.
Employment Type
The advertised positions are public service employment opportunities within the Office of the Chief Justice.
The successful candidates will be required to sign a performance agreement for the advertised posts.
Location
The vacancies covered in this OCJ section are located in:
- Pretoria, Gauteng
- Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Midrand, Gauteng
- Eastern Cape Provincial Service Centre
- Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Introduction
The Office of the Chief Justice has advertised several vacancies under Public Service Vacancy Circular 31 of 2026. The opportunities cover legal research, library services, internal auditing, human resources, security supervision and court support.
The advertisement gives candidates with different educational backgrounds an opportunity to apply for public sector positions. The qualification requirements range from Grade 10/ABET Level 3 to an LLB Degree at NQF Level 8.
Applications close on 11 September 2026. Candidates should carefully check the reference number, job title, office and application email before submitting their applications.
The official Judiciary vacancy page confirms Circular 31 of 2026 was posted on 31 August 2026 and gives 11 September 2026 as the closing date.
About the Employer
The Office of the Chief Justice is a South African national government department established to support the Chief Justice in carrying out responsibilities as head of the Constitutional Court and head of the Judiciary.
The Judiciary identifies the Office of the Chief Justice as part of the institutional structure supporting the judicial system. The official OCJ vacancy page provides recruitment information and links to current vacancy circulars.
Why DPSACircular.co.za Is Publishing This Vacancy
DPSACircular.co.za publishes public sector recruitment information to help job seekers understand government vacancy advertisements and follow the correct application process.
This article summarizes the OCJ vacancies in Circular 31 of 2026 in a reader-friendly format. DPSACircular.co.za does not recruit candidates, make hiring decisions or represent the Office of the Chief Justice.
Applicants should rely on the official government advertisement for the complete and final requirements.
Short Disclaimer
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website. We are not the Office of the Chief Justice, the Department of Public Service and Administration or any other government department. We do not guarantee employment and do not collect applications on behalf of the government.
Editorial Review
DPSACircular.co.za reviewed the vacancy details against the supplied official government advertisement. Our review focused on the advertised positions, reference numbers, salary information, qualification requirements, experience requirements, closing date and application instructions. Readers should use the official advertisement as the final source before submitting an application.
Office of the Chief Justice Jobs in Circular 31 of 2026
1. Law Researcher, Ref No. 2026/116/OCJ
Location: Gauteng Division of The High Court, Pretoria.
Salary: R487 197 – R573 897 per annum, Level 09.
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- An LLB Degree at NQF Level 8 recognised by SAQA.
- At least three years of legal research experience.
- Superior court or litigation experience as an added advantage.
- A valid driver’s licence as an added advantage.
The advertisement also lists knowledge of South African law and the judicial system, labour legislation, court rules and practice manuals, Batho Pele Principles and related public service requirements. Computer literacy in Word, PowerPoint and Excel is also listed.
Duties
The Law Researcher will support judges with legal research, statutes, regulations, rules and case law. The role includes analysing complex legal principles, preparing research summaries and legal memoranda, supporting hearing and trial preparation, reviewing legal arguments and researching supporting and opposing precedents.
The position also involves proofreading judgments and other legal documents, checking references and footnotes, correcting errors and monitoring developments in legislation, precedents and relevant legal trends.
Application
Applications should be sent by email to:
2026/116/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Technical enquiries: Mr PA Nkone, (012) 492 7606.
HR enquiries: Ms T Mbalekwa, (010) 494 8515.
2. Principal Librarian, Ref No. 2026/117/OCJ
Location: Gauteng Division of The High Court, Johannesburg.
Salary: R413 001 – R486 501 per annum, Level 08.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A National Diploma in Library Science, Information Science or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 6 recognised by SAQA.
- At least two years of experience in Library Services.
- A valid driver’s licence as an added advantage.
The advertisement also refers to knowledge of library and information science, library legislation and procedures, online legal databases, information management, research, the Constitution, PAIA, POPIA and Batho Pele Principles.
Duties
The role includes monitoring library collections, cataloguing materials, selecting relevant resources, maintaining legal information collections, managing digital resources and supporting legal research.
The Principal Librarian will also provide reference assistance to judges, lawyers, court staff and the public, coordinate library administration, support training activities, monitor budgets and procurement, supervise staff and maintain effective library systems.
Application
Applications should be sent by email to:
2026/117/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Technical enquiries: Ms Linah Madisha, (010) 494 8466.
HR enquiries: Ms T Mbalekwa, (010) 494 8515.
3. Internal Auditor, Ref No. 2026/118/OCJ
Location: National Office, Midrand.
Salary: R338 106 – R398 277 per annum, Level 07.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A National Diploma in Internal Audit or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 6 recognised by SAQA.
- At least two years of experience in the relevant field.
- Knowledge of information technology audits.
- A valid driver’s licence as an added advantage.
The advertised skills and knowledge include the Global Internal Audit Standards, PFMA, Treasury Regulations, Public Service Regulations, Public Service Act, financial reporting standards, Auditor-General processes and the DPSA ICT and Governance Framework.
Duties
The Internal Auditor will participate in strategic and annual internal audit planning, assist with audit planning, execute audit projects, prepare findings, conduct follow-up audits and evaluate organisational controls and objectives.
The role also includes supporting audit assignments and performing administrative tasks related to audits.
Application
Applications should be sent by email to:
2026/118/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Technical enquiries: Mr T. Mokgope, (010) 493 2500.
HR enquiries: Ms K Mphela, (010) 494 2527.
4. Human Resource Clerk, Ref No. 2026/119/OCJ
Location: Eastern Cape Provincial Service Centre.
Salary: R237 453 – R279 708 per annum, Level 05.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Grade 12 or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4 recognised by SAQA.
- One year of experience in a Human Resource environment as an added advantage.
The advertisement also lists knowledge of PERSAL, the Public Service Act, Public Service Regulations 2016, records procedures and Batho Pele Principles. Computer literacy, administration, communication, planning, typing, minute-taking, numeracy and interpersonal skills are among the listed competencies.
Duties
The Human Resource Clerk will support recruitment, selection and appointment processes. Duties include identifying funded vacancies, coordinating applications, supporting shortlisting and interviews, providing administrative support, arranging meetings, compiling minutes and maintaining HR records.
The role also includes capturing appointments, terminations, leave, performance management and training transactions on PERSAL and maintaining related records.
Application
Applications should be sent by email to:
2026/119/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Technical and HR enquiries: Ms Z. Sulo, (087) 086 6929.
5. Security Supervisor, Ref Nos. 2026/120/OCJ and 2026/121/OCJ
The circular advertises three Security Supervisor posts.
Two posts are located at the Gauteng Division of The High Court in Pretoria under reference 2026/120/OCJ. One post is located at the Gauteng Division of The High Court in Johannesburg under reference 2026/121/OCJ.
Salary: R237 453 – R279 708 per annum, Level 05.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Grade 12 certificate.
- At least one year of experience in the relevant field.
- Grade B PSIRA certificate.
- A valid driver’s licence as an added advantage.
The advertisement lists knowledge of access control, security procedures, emergency procedures, the Security Policy and Procedures, relevant legislation and occupational health and safety requirements. Supervisory, communication, problem-solving, decision-making and organisational skills are also required.
Duties
Security Supervisors will supervise security functions, monitor access control, inspect security equipment, respond to emergencies, identify risks and threats, conduct preliminary incident investigations and submit reports.
Other responsibilities include monitoring control room operations, reviewing footage when requested through proper procedures, maintaining incident registers, preparing rosters and shift schedules, administering key control systems and monitoring employee performance and training needs.
Application
Pretoria applications:
2026/120/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Johannesburg applications:
2026/121/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Technical enquiries: Mr G Ingram, (010) 494 8534.
HR enquiries: Ms T. Mbalekwa, (010) 494 8515.
6. Usher Messenger, Ref No. 2026/122/OCJ
Location: Eastern Cape Division of The High Court, Gqeberha.
Salary: R170 226 – R200 523 per annum, Level 03.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Grade 10 or ABET Level 3.
- One year of relevant experience as an advantage.
- A driver’s licence as an added advantage.
The advertisement lists knowledge of clerical duties, data capture, statistics, MS Office, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, office administration, the Public Service legislative framework and Batho Pele Principles.
Duties
The Usher Messenger will provide administrative support to judges and courtrooms, escort members of the bench, help maintain order in courtrooms, organise court crews and assist with court schedules.
Other duties include checking court rolls, maintaining courtroom records, arranging criminal and civil files, reporting missing files, archiving documents, supporting courtroom scheduling, collecting and distributing court files and keeping court files secure.
Application
Applications should be sent by email to:
2026/122/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Technical enquiries: Ms P. Boya-Nyhiba, (041) 502 6626.
HR enquiries: Ms Z. Sulo, (087) 086 6929.
What the Requirements Mean
NQF Level 8
The Law Researcher position requires an LLB Degree at NQF Level 8 recognised by SAQA. Candidates should ensure their qualification meets the stated requirement.
NQF Level 6
The Principal Librarian and Internal Auditor vacancies require a relevant National Diploma or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 6 recognised by SAQA.
NQF Level 4
The Human Resource Clerk vacancy requires Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4 recognised by SAQA.
Grade 12
The Security Supervisor positions require a Grade 12 certificate. Relevant work experience and a Grade B PSIRA certificate are also specified.
Grade 10 or ABET Level 3
The Usher Messenger vacancy has the lowest formal educational requirement in this OCJ advertisement. Applicants should have Grade 10 or ABET Level 3.
Experience
Do not assume a qualification alone makes you eligible. Several positions require relevant work experience. Check the exact experience requirement against your employment history before applying.
Who Should Apply?
You should consider applying if you meet the complete requirements for a specific vacancy.
Suitable applicants include:
- Legal professionals with an LLB and legal research experience.
- Library and information professionals with relevant qualifications and library experience.
- Internal audit professionals with relevant qualifications and experience.
- HR candidates with Grade 12 and relevant HR exposure.
- Security professionals with Grade 12, relevant experience and the required PSIRA certification.
- Candidates with Grade 10 or ABET Level 3 who meet the Usher Messenger requirements.
You should also have the required documents ready and follow the application instructions for your selected post.
Who Should Not Apply?
You should avoid submitting an application for a position where you do not meet the stated minimum requirements.
Do not apply if:
- You lack the required qualification.
- You lack a mandatory experience requirement.
- You submit the wrong reference number.
- You use an old Z83 form.
- You fail to complete and sign the required application form.
- You submit the application after the closing date.
- You fail to provide the documents requested in the advertisement.
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, check:
- You selected a position matching your qualifications.
- You checked the correct reference number.
- You used the New Z83 form.
- You completed all required sections.
- You signed and initialled the required pages.
- You prepared a recent comprehensive CV.
- Your contactable referees are included, with telephone numbers and email addresses.
- Your documents are saved in PDF format.
- Your documents are placed in one folder as instructed.
- You used the correct application email address.
- You checked the closing date.
- You kept proof of submission.
The OCJ advertisement states that applications must use the New Z83 form and include a recent comprehensive CV. It also instructs applicants to send documents in PDF format and place them in one folder.
How to Apply
Applications for the OCJ vacancies are submitted by email using the address specified for each position.
The application must quote the relevant reference number and contain the correct job title and office information. The advertisement states that the New Z83 must be fully completed, duly signed and initialled on both pages.
Applications submitted on the old Z83 will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit certified copies of qualifications and other related documents on or before the interview, following communication from Human Resources.
Application Email Addresses
Law Researcher:
2026/116/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Principal Librarian:
2026/117/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Internal Auditor:
2026/118/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Human Resource Clerk:
2026/119/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Security Supervisor, Pretoria:
2026/120/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Security Supervisor, Johannesburg:
2026/121/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Usher Messenger:
2026/122/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Common Application Mistakes
Using the old Z83
The OCJ states that applications on the old Z83 will not be considered.
Missing signatures or initials
The application form must be fully completed, signed and initialled on both pages. Failure to do so can lead to disqualification during the selection process.
Wrong reference number
Always compare the reference number in your application with the reference number in the vacancy advertisement.
Sending the wrong documents
The OCJ asks applicants to submit a recent comprehensive CV with the New Z83 and send documents in PDF format in one folder.
Applying after the deadline
Late applications will not be considered. The closing date for these OCJ vacancies is 11 September 2026.
Sending an application to the wrong email address
Each advertised position has a specific email address. Check the reference number and email address before sending your application.
Ignoring foreign qualification requirements
Candidates holding foreign qualifications should follow the evaluation requirement stated in the advertisement.
Selection Process
The OCJ states that shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, will undertake two pre-entry assessments. One assessment involves a practical exercise based on the technical and generic requirements of the position. The other is an integrity assessment.
Selection panels will consider the results of the technical exercises as an additional criterion during the interview process. Suitable candidates will also undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, financial, qualification, citizenship, social media, reference and employment verification.
Successful candidates are expected to enter into an employment contract and performance agreement within three months of appointment. The advertisement also states that successful candidates will undergo security clearance three months after appointment.
Official Source
The official sources for this vacancy are:
- Office of the Chief Justice official vacancies page.
- Department of Public Service and Administration Public Service Vacancy Circular 31 of 2026.
- The official Circular 31 of 2026 PDF.
Always check the official source before submitting an application because government advertisements and application instructions take priority over summaries published on third-party websites.
Related Jobs
For readers looking for additional South African public sector opportunities, DPSACircular.co.za publishes guides covering:
- DPSA Vacancy Circulars
- National government vacancies
- Provincial government vacancies
- Department of Justice vacancies
- Office of the Chief Justice vacancies
- Government internships
- Government learnerships
- Graduate programmes
- Public sector bursaries
Use relevant internal links from these categories to move between related vacancy guides on DPSACircular.co.za.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the Office of the Chief Justice Circular 31 of 2026 close?
The closing date is 11 September 2026.
2. When was Circular 31 of 2026 posted?
The official Judiciary vacancy page lists 31 August 2026 as the date posted for Circular 31 of 2026.
3. How many OCJ vacancy advertisements appear in this section?
The OCJ section contains posts 31/59 through 31/64. The Security Supervisor advertisement covers three posts across Pretoria and Johannesburg.
4. What is the highest salary among these OCJ vacancies?
The Law Researcher position has the highest listed salary range, R487 197 to R573 897 per year.
5. What qualification is required for the Law Researcher position?
Applicants need an LLB Degree at NQF Level 8 recognised by SAQA and at least three years of legal research experience.
6. Where is the Law Researcher position based?
The Law Researcher position is based at the Gauteng Division of The High Court in Pretoria.
7. What qualification is required for Principal Librarian?
The position requires a National Diploma in Library Science, Information Science or an equivalent NQF Level 6 qualification recognised by SAQA.
8. Where is the Principal Librarian position located?
The position is based at the Gauteng Division of The High Court in Johannesburg.
9. What qualification is required for Internal Auditor?
Applicants need a National Diploma in Internal Audit or an equivalent NQF Level 6 qualification recognised by SAQA.
10. Where is the Internal Auditor position based?
The position is based at the National Office in Midrand.
11. What education is required for Human Resource Clerk?
Applicants need Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4 recognised by SAQA.
12. Is HR experience required for Human Resource Clerk?
The advertisement lists one year of experience in a Human Resource environment as an added advantage.
13. How many Security Supervisor posts are advertised?
Three Security Supervisor posts are advertised. Two are in Pretoria and one is in Johannesburg.
14. What qualification is required for Security Supervisor?
Applicants need Grade 12. The advertisement also requires one year of relevant experience and a Grade B PSIRA certificate.
15. What is the minimum qualification for Usher Messenger?
The Usher Messenger vacancy requires Grade 10 or ABET Level 3.
16. Where is the Usher Messenger vacancy based?
The position is based at the Eastern Cape Division of The High Court in Gqeberha.
17. How should OCJ applications be submitted?
The advertised applications are submitted by email to the email address assigned to the relevant reference number.
18. Do applicants need to use the New Z83?
Yes. The advertisement specifically requires the New Z83 form and states that applications on the old Z83 will not be considered.
19. Do applicants need certified qualifications when applying?
The advertisement states that only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and related documents before or on the interview day following communication from Human Resources.
20. What happens if I do not hear from the OCJ after applying?
The advertisement states that correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you are not contacted within three months after the closing date, you should accept that your application was unsuccessful.
About the Author
DPSACircular.co.za publishes South African government job information and application guidance. The website focuses on helping job seekers understand vacancy circulars, identify suitable opportunities, prepare applications and follow official application instructions.
Each vacancy guide should be treated as an informational summary. Applicants should check the relevant government department’s official advertisement before submitting an application.
Disclaimer
https://dpsacircular.co.za/ is an independent government-job information and application guidance website.
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website. We publish information about DPSA Vacancy Circulars, government vacancies, internships, learnerships, graduate programmes, bursaries and public sector career opportunities.
DPSACircular.co.za is not affiliated with, owned by, operated by or officially connected with the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Office of the Chief Justice, the South African Judiciary or any other government department unless expressly stated.
We do not recruit candidates, process government applications, make employment decisions or guarantee interviews or employment.
Vacancy information is provided for educational and informational purposes. Government departments remain responsible for their own recruitment processes, requirements, deadlines and application decisions.
You should always verify the vacancy details, reference number, qualification requirements, application method, closing date and other instructions against the official government advertisement before applying.
DPSACircular.co.za does not accept responsibility for applications sent to incorrect addresses, late applications, incomplete applications or changes made by a government department after publication of this guide.
For Circular 31 of 2026, the Office of the Chief Justice advertisement states that applicants must comply with the specified application requirements and that late or non-compliant applications will not be considered.
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