Chief Registrar Vacancy at Office of the Chief Justice – Mthatha 2026
| Job Title | Chief Registrar |
|---|---|
| Reference Number | 2025/405/OCJ |
| Date Posted / Closing Date | 06 March 2026 |
| Location | Eastern Cape Division of the High Court: Mthatha, South Africa |
| Salary | R586 956 – R1 386 972 per annum (MR6) |
| Company | Office of the Chief Justice |
| Employment Type | Permanent (Public Service) |
| Industry | Government / Legal Administration |
The Chief Registrar vacancy at the Office of the Chief Justice forms part of senior government jobs in South Africa within the judicial administration sector.
- Competitive government salary package under Occupation Specific Dispensation
- Senior-level legal administration role
- Based at the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha
- Permanent public service employment
- Performance agreement required
About the Chief Registrar Role
This senior court administration position is responsible for overseeing case flow management, judicial support services, and strategic court efficiency within the High Court.
The role supports the Judge President and ensures effective implementation of court directives, service delivery standards, and compliance within the judicial system.
- Manage tracking and progression of cases from initiation to finalisation
- Report case flow performance to the Judge President
- Provide input on amendments to court rules and practice directives
- Implement directives issued by the Judge President
- Oversee strategic objectives related to case processing
- Compile training manuals for Registrars and support staff
- Manage stakeholder relations within the justice system
- Lead human resources management within the unit
- Supervise service level agreements and strategic efficiency projects
- Safeguard court records and documentation systems
- Monitor service delivery standards and customer satisfaction
- Manage Performance Management and Development System of staff
Who Should Apply
- Legal professionals seeking senior government vacancies 2026
- Experienced Registrars ready for leadership responsibility
- Candidates with strong court administration background
- Professionals with High Court operational experience
- Applicants committed to judicial governance and compliance
This opportunity suits candidates with extensive post-qualification legal experience who can operate at a strategic and operational level within the judiciary.
Skills and Requirements
- LLB Degree or recognised four-year legal qualification
- Minimum eight (8) years appropriate post-qualification legal experience as a Registrar
- Valid driver’s license
- LLM degree will be an added advantage
- Computer literacy
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Report writing ability
- Numerical skills
- Technical legal expertise
- Information technology proficiency
- Attention to detail
- Planning, organising and control skills
- Problem solving and decision-making skills
- Customer service orientation
- Interpersonal and conflict management skills
- Professional appearance and conduct
- Self-management and work ethic
All shortlisted candidates will complete a pre-entry practical exercise to assess technical and generic competencies.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary range: R586 956 – R1 386 972 per annum (MR6)
- Salary determined under Occupation Specific Dispensation (Resolution 1 of 2008)
- Permanent public service employment
- Performance agreement required
- Access to public sector employment benefits in line with government policies
- Opportunity to contribute to judicial efficiency and national governance
Salary progression is aligned with government frameworks and verified experience through service certificates.
Important Notes
- Closing date: 06 March 2026
- Applications must be submitted on the new Z83 form
- Submit a recent comprehensive CV only at application stage
- Certified documents required only if shortlisted
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA
- Personnel suitability checks will be conducted
- Security clearance required after appointment
- Successful candidates must sign an employment contract and performance agreement within three months
- Preference given in line with Employment Equity goals
- Applications received late will not be considered
Enquiries
- Technical / HR enquiries: Mr S Mponzo
- Telephone: (043) 726 5217
Note: Do not send applications to the enquiry email or contact.
How to Apply for Chief Registrar
Applications for this Office of the Chief Justice vacancy must follow official public service procedures.
- Complete the new Z83 form
- Attach a comprehensive CV
- Ensure the correct reference number 2025/405/OCJ is quoted
- Email application to: 2025/405/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
- Submit before 06 March 2026
Apply Now: 2025/405/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
New Z83 application form [effective from 01 January 2021] Editable New Z83 application form [effective from 01 January 2021]How to Apply Safely
Applications must be submitted only through the official Office of the Chief Justice recruitment channel listed above. Never pay any fee to apply for government jobs. Verify details through official Office of the Chief Justice communications. Recruitment processes include formal screening, assessments, and verification procedures to protect applicants and maintain transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the closing date for Office of the Chief Justice vacancies?
06 March 2026. - What is the salary for the Chief Registrar position?
R586 956 – R1 386 972 per annum (MR6). - What qualifications are required?
An LLB or recognised four-year legal qualification with at least eight years post-qualification experience as a Registrar. - Is a performance agreement required?
Yes, successful candidates must sign a performance agreement.
Closing Date Reminder
Closing date: 06 March 2026
