Published: 18 September 2026
Last checked: 30 September 2026
Closing date: 06 October 2026
Reviewed by / Author: Godwin Samuel, Founder and Publisher, DPSACircular.co.za
Department: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Circular: DPSA Circular 34 of 2026
Post: Chief State Law Adviser
Post number: 34/69
Reference number: 19/08/2026
Centre: National Office, Pretoria
Salary: R1,885,710 to R2,124,237 per annum
Salary level: Level 15
Advertisement status: Re-advertisement
Download Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Circular 34 of 2026 PDF
Download PDF: DPSA Circular 34 of 2026
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development vacancy appears under Annexure I of DPSA Circular 34 of 2026. The Chief State Law Adviser position is listed as Post 34/69, Reference 19/08/2026, with the National Office in Pretoria as the centre. The advertised salary is R1,885,710 to R2,124,237 per annum at Level 15.
The official DPSA Circular 34 was issued on 18 September 2026. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development section appears on pages 63 and 64 of the circular.
The vacancy is a re-advertisement. The department specifically advises suitable candidates who previously applied to re-apply.
The closing date is 06 October 2026.
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent job information website. The department, not DPSACircular.co.za, receives and processes applications and makes recruitment decisions.
READ: How Foreign Qualifications Are Handled in South African Government Vacancies
Quick Answer
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is recruiting a Chief State Law Adviser at its National Office in Pretoria.
The key details are:
| Vacancy detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Justice and Constitutional Development |
| Circular | DPSA Circular 34 of 2026 |
| Post | Chief State Law Adviser |
| Post number | 34/69 |
| Reference | 19/08/2026 |
| Centre | National Office, Pretoria |
| Salary | R1,885,710 to R2,124,237 per annum |
| Salary level | Level 15 |
| Advertisement status | Re-advertisement |
| Minimum qualification | NQF Level 8 in Law or as recognised by SAQA |
| Professional requirement | Admission as an Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa |
| Experience | Minimum 8 years at senior management level in a similar environment |
| Closing date | 06 October 2026 |
| Z83 | Required |
| CV | Required |
| Qualification copies | Required according to the advertisement |
| Foreign qualification | SAQA evaluated results required |
| Application | Online Microsoft Forms, postal or physical delivery as specified |
| Enquiries | Ms Duduzile Magampa, 060 972 1178 |
The department also provides assessment and suitability-check requirements for shortlisted and suitable candidates.
Table of Contents
- What the Chief State Law Adviser vacancy is about
- How DPSACircular reviewed this vacancy
- Editorial Review
- What the qualification requirement means
- What the experience requirement means
- Who should apply
- Who should not apply
- Application checklist
- What the advertisement actually requires
- Which qualification wording matters
- What relevant experience means in practice
- Is this post a re-advertisement?
- Does the application require Z83 plus CV?
- Where must the application be sent?
- Common mistakes
- Documents to prepare
- How to verify the advertisement
- What happens after the closing date
- How the vacancy fits into government recruitment
- What comes directly from the official advertisement
- What DPSACircular adds
- What happens after applying
- Internal DPSACircular guides
- Official source
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Editorial Review
- What We Noticed
- About the Author
- About DPSACircular.co.za
- Disclaimer
What the Chief State Law Adviser Vacancy Is About
This vacancy is for a senior legal management position within the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
The advertised role involves strategic leadership of the Office of the Chief State Law Adviser.
The duties cover legislative drafting and certification, legal opinions, subordinate legislation, international agreements, contracts, disputes, governance, financial management, people management and organisational performance.
The advertisement therefore describes a position requiring both substantial legal experience and senior management capability.
This is important when reading the vacancy because the title alone does not explain the full screening requirements.
The advertisement requires an NQF Level 8 Law qualification or a qualification recognised by SAQA, admission as an Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa, and at least eight years of experience at senior management level in a similar environment.
How DPSACircular Reviewed This Vacancy
When I review a government vacancy for DPSACircular, I do not start by copying the job title, salary and requirements into a new article.
I start with the circular itself.
For this vacancy, I first checked where the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development section appears in Circular 34. I then checked the post number and reference number before moving to the closing date.
The next step was to compare the qualification and experience wording with the duties.
This matters because the phrase “eight years’ experience” by itself does not tell an applicant enough. The advertisement specifies eight years at senior management level in a similar environment.
I then checked the application instructions.
The advertisement requires a completed and signed New Z83, a comprehensive CV, employment dates, job titles, detailed duties, exit reasons, three contactable employment references and copies of educational qualifications. Foreign qualification holders have an additional SAQA requirement.
I also checked the re-advertisement statement because a previous applicant might otherwise assume an earlier application is still active.
After checking these details, I prepared the checklist and explanations on this page.
The purpose of this process is simple. You should be able to read this article and understand what needs attention before you open the application form, while still using the official advertisement as your final source.
Editorial Review
The vacancy was reviewed against DPSA Circular 34 of 2026.
The review covered:
- Department
- Circular number
- Post number
- Reference number
- Salary
- Salary level
- Centre
- Qualification requirement
- Professional admission requirement
- Senior management experience
- Knowledge requirements
- Skills and competencies
- Duties
- Re-advertisement status
- Application routes
- Z83 requirement
- CV requirements
- Qualification documents
- SAQA requirement
- Assessment process
- Suitability checks
- Closing date
- Enquiry contact
The official advertisement remains the authority for the vacancy.
DPSACircular’s role is to organise and explain the information for applicants.
What the Qualification Requirement Means for the Chief State Law Adviser Vacancy
The advertisement requires:
“An NQF Level 8 in Law or as recognised by SAQA.”
It also states:
“Admission as an Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa is essential.”
These are separate parts of the requirement.
An applicant should therefore check both their academic qualification and professional admission status.
Do not reduce the requirement to “LLB required” when preparing your application.
The advertisement uses specific wording, and your application should demonstrate how you meet the actual requirement.
READ: How to Keep a Record of Your Government Job Applications
What the Experience Requirement Means for the Chief State Law Adviser Vacancy
The advertisement requires:
“A minimum of eight (8) years’ experience at senior management level in a similar environment.”
This is one of the sections I would check carefully when reviewing a CV.
The requirement is not written as eight years of general legal experience.
The advertisement connects the experience to senior management level and a similar environment.
Your CV should therefore make your senior management responsibilities easy to identify.
For example, if your previous position involved strategic leadership, legal advisory oversight, legislative work, governance, people management, financial management or responsibility for complex legal matters, describe those responsibilities accurately in your employment history.
Do not add duties you did not perform.
The department specifically asks for employment start and end dates, job titles, detailed duties and exit reasons for each employment period being considered.
Who Should Apply for the Chief State Law Adviser Vacancy?
The vacancy is intended for applicants who meet the requirements in the official advertisement.
The key requirements include:
- NQF Level 8 in Law or a qualification recognised by SAQA
- Admission as an Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa
- At least eight years’ senior management experience in a similar environment
- Knowledge of Bills and legislation
- Knowledge of legislative drafting and certification
- Legal advisory experience
- Knowledge of public and international law
- Public administration knowledge
- Knowledge of government decision-making processes
- Knowledge of Public Service legislation and related prescripts
- Strategic leadership capability
- Governance knowledge
- Professional legal ethics
The advertisement also lists programme and project management, financial management, organisational transformation, change management, knowledge management, service delivery innovation, analytical ability, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, communication and people management.
Who Should Not Apply for the Chief State Law Adviser Vacancy?
You should carefully compare your background with the mandatory requirements before submitting an application.
The vacancy is unlikely to be suitable for an applicant who does not meet the stated qualification, professional admission or senior management experience requirements.
You should also avoid submitting an application if you cannot provide the documents required by the advertisement or if you intend to apply after the closing date.
The department states that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Application Checklist for the Chief State Law Adviser Vacancy
Before submitting your application, work through this list.
Vacancy details
☐ Post number is 34/69
☐ Reference number is 19/08/2026
☐ Job title is Chief State Law Adviser
☐ You have checked the closing date
Qualification
☐ NQF Level 8 Law qualification
☐ Qualification meets the SAQA recognition requirement where applicable
☐ Admission as Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa
Experience
☐ At least eight years’ experience at senior management level
☐ Experience relates to a similar environment
☐ Relevant duties are clearly described in your CV
Z83
☐ New Z83 used
☐ Z83 fully completed
☐ Z83 signed
☐ Correct job title entered
☐ Correct reference number entered
☐ Correct post number entered
CV
☐ Start dates included
☐ End dates included
☐ Job titles included
☐ Detailed duties included
☐ Exit reasons included
☐ Three contactable employment references included
Supporting documents
☐ Educational qualification copies prepared
☐ SAQA evaluation prepared if you have foreign qualifications
Submission
☐ Correct application channel selected
☐ Reference number quoted
☐ Application submitted before 06 October 2026
☐ Proof of submission retained where available
What the Advertisement Actually Requires
The vacancy notice requires more than a Law qualification.
The department is looking for a senior legal management profile with experience and knowledge across several areas.
The advertisement identifies knowledge of:
- Bills and legislation
- Legislative drafting
- Certification processes
- Legal advisory services
- Public law
- International law
- Public administration
- Government decision-making
- Public Service legislation
- Public Finance Management Act
- Treasury Regulations
- Government priorities
- Organisational governance
- Strategic planning
- Professional legal ethics
The duties also show the level of responsibility attached to the post.
The Chief State Law Adviser is expected to provide strategic leadership over legislative drafting and certification, legal advisory work, international agreements and the governance of the office.
Which Qualification Wording Matters?
Three parts deserve particular attention.
NQF Level 8 in Law
The advertisement does not simply state “Law qualification”.
It specifies NQF Level 8 in Law or a qualification recognised by SAQA.
Admission
Admission as an Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa is described as essential.
Foreign qualifications
Applicants with foreign qualifications must submit the evaluated results received from SAQA.
These details should appear in your pre-application check.
What “Relevant Experience” Means in Practice
A common mistake when reading government vacancies is to count years without looking at the level and type of experience required.
For this vacancy, the advertisement specifies eight years at senior management level in a similar environment.
Consider how your employment history relates to the actual duties.
For example, the advertisement refers to:
- Strategic legal leadership
- Legislative drafting
- Certification
- Legal opinions
- Government departments
- International agreements
- Governance
- Risk management
- Financial management
- People management
- Organisational performance
- Compliance
If your previous roles involved these responsibilities, your CV should describe them accurately.
A CV saying only “provided legal advice” gives the selection panel less information than a truthful description of the actual scope of your responsibility.
Is This Post a Re-Advertisement?
Yes.
The department states that the post is a re-advertisement.
The notice also states that suitable candidates who previously submitted applications are advised to re-apply.
This is an important detail for previous applicants.
Do not assume an earlier application automatically transfers to the new advertisement.
If you previously applied and still meet the requirements, follow the current advertisement’s instructions and submit a new application as advised by the department.
Does the Application Require Z83 Plus CV?
Yes.
The advertisement requires a fully completed and signed New Z83 and a comprehensive CV.
The CV should include:
- Start date
- End date
- Job title
- Detailed duties
- Exit reason
- Three contactable employment references
The department also requires copies of educational qualifications.
Foreign qualification holders must submit SAQA evaluated results.
Where Must the Application Be Sent?
The advertisement provides the following application routes.
Online application
Use the Microsoft Forms link specified in the official advertisement.
Postal address
Human Resources
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Private Bag X81
Pretoria
0001
Physical delivery
Application Box
First Floor Reception
East Tower
Momentum Building
329 Pretorius Street
Pretoria
Quote reference number 19/08/2026.
The department states that applicants should use the link or address indicated in the specific advertisement.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Mistake 1: Using the wrong reference
Use 19/08/2026.
Mistake 2: Using an old Z83
The circular requires the New Z83 effective from 1 January 2021.
Mistake 3: Leaving the Z83 unsigned
The advertisement specifically requires a fully completed and signed form.
Mistake 4: Submitting a basic CV
The advertisement asks for detailed employment information.
Mistake 5: Leaving out references
Three contactable employment references are required.
Mistake 6: Ignoring the admission requirement
The advertisement states that admission as an Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa is essential.
Mistake 7: Counting every year of employment as senior management experience
The advertisement specifically refers to eight years at senior management level in a similar environment.
Mistake 8: Ignoring the re-advertisement
Previous suitable applicants are advised to re-apply.
Mistake 9: Applying after the deadline
The closing date is 06 October 2026.
Mistake 10: Sending your application to DPSACircular
DPSACircular does not accept applications.
What Documents Should Be Prepared Before Applying?
Prepare the application information before starting the submission.
You should have:
- New Z83
- Comprehensive CV
- Educational qualification copies
- SAQA evaluation results where applicable
- Employment dates
- Employment duties
- Exit reasons
- Three contactable references
- Correct reference number
- Proof of submission where available
A practical step is to save your final application documents in one clearly named folder before submitting.
For example:
Chief State Law Adviser 19-08-2026
This reduces the chance of selecting an older CV or incorrect application document.
How to Verify That the Advertisement Is Genuine
Start with the official DPSA Circular 34 page.
The DPSA website identifies Circular 34 of 2026 as the public service vacancy circular issued on 18 September 2026.
The official circular identifies Department of Justice and Constitutional Development under Annexure I.
The Chief State Law Adviser position appears as Post 34/69 with reference 19/08/2026.
The closing date is 06 October 2026.
You should compare these details with any social media post, WhatsApp message or third-party vacancy article you encounter.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development also maintains its own vacancies page. Applicants should use official departmental information and the circular when checking recruitment information.
What Happens After the Closing Date?
The advertisement gives applicants useful information about the stages following shortlisting.
Shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, will undertake two pre-entry assessments.
One assessment is a practical exercise.
The other is an integrity or ethical conduct assessment.
The department states that these assessments consider professional and technical competency, job requirements and duties, general job fit, integrity and digital literacy.
Shortlisted candidates for SMS positions will also undergo a technical exercise and interview.
Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three candidates will undergo psychometric assessment.
Suitable candidates will also undergo mandatory pre-employment screening, suitability checks and verification.
The listed checks include credit, criminal, citizenship, qualifications, employment pending disciplinary action and professional registration.
Suitable SMS candidates are also required to successfully complete the online Nyukela Pre-entry Certificate to Senior Management Services course.
Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
How the Vacancy Fits Into the Broader Government Recruitment Process
This vacancy provides a useful example of how a senior government recruitment process works.
The process begins with the published vacancy.
Applicants then submit their applications according to the advertisement.
The department considers applications against the stated requirements.
Shortlisted candidates proceed to the assessment stages specified in the notice.
For this vacancy, the advertisement provides for practical and integrity assessments, followed by a technical exercise and interview for SMS positions.
A maximum of three candidates then undergo psychometric assessment.
Suitable candidates undergo verification and suitability checks.
The department ultimately makes the recruitment decision.
The important point for applicants is that submitting a Z83 and CV does not mean appointment.
What Information Came Directly From the Official Advertisement?
The following information comes from Circular 34 of 2026:
- Chief State Law Adviser
- Post 34/69
- Reference 19/08/2026
- Level 15
- Salary of R1,885,710 to R2,124,237
- National Office, Pretoria
- NQF Level 8 Law requirement
- Admission requirement
- Eight years’ senior management experience
- Re-advertisement status
- Z83 requirement
- CV requirements
- Qualification copies
- SAQA requirement
- Assessment process
- Suitability checks
- Closing date
- Application channels
- Duties
- Enquiry contact
These details should be treated as official vacancy information.
What Is DPSACircular’s Editorial Explanation?
DPSACircular adds explanations around the official information.
For example, the official advertisement states that applicants need eight years’ experience at senior management level in a similar environment.
DPSACircular explains why applicants should examine the level and type of their experience instead of simply adding together every year of legal employment.
The official notice lists the CV requirements.
DPSACircular turns those requirements into a checklist.
The official notice identifies the re-advertisement.
DPSACircular explains why a previous applicant should pay attention to the instruction to re-apply.
This distinction helps prevent editorial interpretation from being mistaken for a departmental instruction.
Does This Guide Provide Something Useful Beyond the Official Advertisement?
Yes.
The official PDF provides the formal vacancy notice.
This guide provides an applicant-focused explanation.
The additional work includes:
- Extracting the key requirements
- Explaining the qualification wording
- Explaining the senior management experience requirement
- Highlighting the re-advertisement
- Creating a document checklist
- Creating a submission checklist
- Explaining the assessment stages
- Showing how to verify the vacancy
- Separating official information from editorial explanation
- Highlighting details applicants should check before submitting
The goal is not to replace the official circular.
The goal is to help you understand the circular before applying.
What Did DPSACircular Do Here That the Official PDF Did Not?
The official PDF is designed as a public service vacancy circular. It contains many departments and many vacancies.
An applicant searching specifically for the Chief State Law Adviser position has to locate the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development section and then read the relevant post.
DPSACircular narrows the page to this one vacancy.
The article then explains the requirements in applicant-friendly terms.
The practical difference is the editorial organisation.
Instead of asking you to search through the circular repeatedly, the page brings the key requirements, checklist, application route and recruitment information together.
The official circular remains the source of the vacancy information.
What Happens After Applying?
Keep a record of your application.
If you apply online, retain any confirmation or submission evidence provided by the application system.
If you submit physically or by post, retain your own record of what you submitted and when.
The department states that communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates.
If you are shortlisted, prepare for the assessment stages described in the advertisement.
Do not interpret silence after submission as a confirmation of appointment.
The department controls the recruitment process.
4 Useful DPSACircular Guides
Before submitting your application, read these related guides:
- Z83 Application Form Guide
- Government Job Application Guide
- How to Verify a South African Government Job Advertisement
- What Happens When a Government Vacancy Is Withdrawn?
These links should be placed naturally within the relevant sections of the article.
For example, link the Z83 guide from the Z83 section, the verification guide from the verification section, and the government application guide from the checklist.
Official Source
The primary source for this article is:
Department of Public Service and Administration, Public Service Vacancy Circular 34 of 2026
Posting date: 18 September 2026
Department section: Justice and Constitutional Development
Circular pages: 63 to 64
Vacancy: Post 34/69, Chief State Law Adviser
Reference: 19/08/2026
The official DPSA Circular 34 page lists the full circular and identifies Justice and Constitutional Development as Annexure I.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development also provides its vacancies information through its official website.
Applicants should always check the current official advertisement before submitting an application.
READ: How to Verify a South African Government Job Advertisement
20 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Chief State Law Adviser vacancy?
The Chief State Law Adviser vacancy is a Level 15 senior management position at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s National Office in Pretoria.
2. What i s the post number?
The post number is 34/69.
3. What is the reference number?
The reference number is 19/08/2026.
4. What is the salary?
The salary is R1,885,710 to R2,124,237 per annum at Level 15.
5. Where is the position based?
The position is based at the National Office in Pretoria.
6. Is this a re-advertisement?
Yes. The advertisement states that this is a re-advertisement and advises suitable previous applicants to re-apply.
7. What qualification is required?
The advertisement requires an NQF Level 8 in Law or a qualification recognised by SAQA.
8. Is admission as an Advocate or Attorney required?
Yes. Admission as an Advocate or Attorney in the High Court of South Africa is described as essential.
9. How much experience is required?
The advertisement requires at least eight years’ experience at senior management level in a similar environment.
10. Is a Z83 required?
Yes. The department requires a fully completed and signed New Z83.
11. Is a CV required?
Yes. A comprehensive CV is required.
12. What must the CV contain?
The advertisement requires start and end dates, job titles, detailed duties, exit reasons and three contactable employment references.
13. Are qualification copies required?
Yes. The advertisement states that applications should include copies of educational qualifications.
14. Is SAQA evaluation required for foreign qualifications?
Yes. Applicants with foreign qualifications must submit evaluated results received from SAQA.
15. Where must applications be submitted?
Applications may be submitted through the Microsoft Forms link or the postal or physical address specified in the advertisement.
16. What reference should I quote?
Quote 19/08/2026.
17. When does the vacancy close?
The closing date is 06 October 2026.
18. What happens after shortlisting?
Shortlisted candidates undertake the pre-entry assessments described in the advertisement. SMS candidates also undergo a technical exercise and interview.
19. Is psychometric assessment part of the process?
Yes. The advertisement states that a maximum of three candidates will undergo psychometric assessment following the technical exercise and interview for SMS positions.
20. Does DPSACircular accept applications?
No. DPSACircular.co.za does not accept, process or decide government job applications. Applications must be submitted through the route specified by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Editorial Review
This page was reviewed against DPSA Circular 34 of 2026.
The review covered the vacancy details, qualification requirements, professional admission requirement, experience requirement, application process, supporting documents, re-advertisement status, closing date, duties and recruitment stages.
The official advertisement was used as the primary source.
Third-party vacancy listings were not treated as the final authority.
Where DPSACircular provides an explanation, the explanation is presented as editorial guidance rather than as an additional government requirement.
What We Noticed
The first detail worth noticing is the re-advertisement.
Previous suitable applicants are specifically advised to re-apply.
The second detail is the experience wording.
The requirement is not simply eight years of legal experience. The department specifies eight years at senior management level in a similar environment.
The third detail is the CV instruction.
The department asks applicants to provide detailed employment information, including dates, job titles, duties and exit reasons.
The fourth detail is the application documentation.
The department requires a signed New Z83, comprehensive CV, references and qualification copies. Foreign qualification holders have an additional SAQA requirement.
The fifth detail is the recruitment process.
The advertisement provides unusually clear information about practical assessments, integrity assessment, technical exercise, interview, psychometric assessment and suitability checks.
These details are worth highlighting because applicants often focus on the salary and qualification while overlooking the application and recruitment instructions.
About the Author
Godwin Samuel
Founder and Publisher, DPSACircular.co.za
Godwin Samuel publishes South African public sector vacancy information and practical government job application guides.
His editorial work focuses on reading government vacancy advertisements, identifying the requirements applicants need to act on, checking application instructions and turning lengthy vacancy notices into practical application information.
For vacancy articles, the editorial review focuses on:
- Post and reference numbers
- Salary
- Location
- Qualification requirements
- Experience requirements
- Application method
- Closing date
- Supporting documents
- Re-advertisement notices
- Recruitment-process information
- Official source verification
Readers should use the author’s profile and the site’s editorial policy to understand how DPSACircular handles vacancy information.
About DPSACircular.co.za
DPSACircular.co.za is an independent South African job information website that publishes DPSA Vacancy Circular information, government job opportunities, internships, learnerships, graduate programmes, bursaries and government career guides.
The website exists to help job seekers understand public sector employment information before applying.
DPSACircular.co.za is not the official DPSA website.
DPSACircular.co.za is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Department of Public Service and Administration or the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
DPSACircular.co.za does not accept government job applications.
DPSACircular.co.za does not process applications.
DPSACircular.co.za does not shortlist applicants.
DPSACircular.co.za does not conduct government interviews.
DPSACircular.co.za does not select candidates.
DPSACircular.co.za does not make appointment decisions.
The relevant government department remains responsible for recruitment and selection.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for information and application guidance.
Vacancy requirements, closing dates, application routes and recruitment procedures come from the relevant government advertisement and should be checked against the latest official source before submission.
DPSACircular.co.za does not guarantee shortlisting, an interview, appointment or employment.
If the department changes, withdraws, extends or corrects the advertisement, the department’s latest official notice takes precedence.
Applicants should not send application documents to DPSACircular.co.za.
Why This Article Was Created
The purpose of this page is to make Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Circular 34 of 2026 easier for applicants to understand.
The official circular is the primary source.
This page provides additional explanation, practical checks and an application checklist so readers can review their documents before applying.
The article is not intended to replace the official advertisement.
For the latest vacancy information, always compare the details on this page with the official Circular 34 advertisement before submitting your application.
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