The Office of the Chief Justice is hiring an Administration Clerk to handle Digital Court Recording System duties at the Western Cape Division of the High Court in Cape Town. It’s a specialised entry point into court administration, and matric is enough to get your foot in the door.
The post pays R237,453 to R279,708 a year, sits at salary Level 05, and runs under reference 2026/136/OCJ. Applications close on 5 October 2026.
Who can apply
The minimum requirement is straightforward: Grade 12, or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification recognised by SAQA. The advert says no experience is required, which keeps the door open for first-time jobseekers.
That said, there’s a clear edge for some applicants. At least a year of experience in court recordings counts as an advantage, and any prior exposure to court-related work helps too. A driver’s licence is another plus. None of these are dealbreakers, though — if you meet the matric requirement, you’re eligible to apply, experience or not.
What the job is really about
At its core, this role keeps court proceedings on the record. You’d be operating the recording equipment used during court sessions and making sure the digital recordings are captured and kept properly. Because those recordings form part of the court’s official record, there’s no room for slip-ups — accuracy is the whole point.
The rhythm of the work is specific. Before proceedings begin, you test the equipment and confirm it’s working. During proceedings, you run the recording system and protect the integrity of what’s captured. That takes concentration and a careful hand throughout a session.
It’s more than just recording
The DCRS clerk also carries a broader admin load tied to court performance and case-flow management — the behind-the-scenes processes that keep court matters moving. Depending on what’s needed, you might also support Human Resources, Finance, Supply Chain and other court administration functions, and pitch in at circuit courts or with collecting statistics. These duties can come from the Judiciary, Court Manager, Chief Registrar or your supervisor.
The skills that matter
Given the technical side, the employer wants applicants who understand digital recording processes, know how to run system tests, and can operate a DCRS or CRT machine. On top of that, they’re looking for computer literacy including MS Office, solid written and verbal communication, document management, customer service, good interpersonal skills and problem-solving.
Three qualities get singled out: accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. If you’re comfortable with technology and good at following set procedures carefully, this is the kind of role that suits.
Location and pay
The job is on-site at the Western Cape Division of the High Court in Cape Town, with possible administrative support at circuit courts as part of the duties — worth weighing up before you apply. The salary is given as an annual range, R237,453 to R279,708, so don’t try to back-calculate a monthly figure. The successful candidate will also sign a performance agreement.
One more thing from the advert: preference will be given to candidates in line with the organisation’s Employment Equity goals, which is worth factoring into your expectations.
How to apply
Applications go by email, using the new Z83 form (available through the Office of the Chief Justice and DPSA channels, or from any Public Service Department). Your initial submission should include:
- Completed new Z83 form
- Recent comprehensive CV
- Contactable referees with their phone numbers and email addresses
Save it all as PDF, put everything in one folder, and email it to 2026/136/[email protected] using reference 2026/136/OCJ.
You don’t need certified copies at this stage — only shortlisted candidates get asked for those, to be handed in on or before the interview once HR makes contact. So keep the first submission to what’s asked for, nothing more.
And don’t leave it to the last day. A formatting glitch or email problem on 5 October could sink an otherwise good application.
Quick checklist
- Grade 12 or recognised NQF Level 4 equivalent
- Completed new Z83 form
- Recent comprehensive CV
- Contactable referees with phone numbers and emails
- Everything saved as PDF, in one folder
- Reference 2026/136/OCJ included
- Emailed to 2026/136/[email protected]
- Submitted before 5 October 2026
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Office of the Chief Justice |
| Position | Administration Clerk: DCRS |
| Reference | 2026/136/OCJ |
| Salary | R237,453 – R279,708 per annum |
| Salary level | Level 05 |
| Location | Western Cape Division of the High Court, Cape Town |
| Minimum qualification | Grade 12 or equivalent NQF Level 4 |
| Experience | None required (1 year in court recordings an advantage) |
| Driver’s licence | An advantage |
| Application method | |
| Closing date | 5 October 2026 |
Need to ask first?
- Technical enquiries: Ms N. Chwethiso — (021) 480 2411
- HR enquiries: Mr SD Hlongwane — (021) 469 4032
Source: Based on the Office of the Chief Justice Administration Clerk: DCRS vacancy, Reference 2026/136/OCJ, for the Western Cape Division of the High Court in Cape Town.
Editorial policy: Our careers coverage is meant to help South African jobseekers understand vacancies and make informed decisions. We present requirements, salaries, duties and deadlines based on the available recruitment information, and we don’t add qualifications, salaries or conditions that haven’t been provided or verified. Where something is an advantage rather than mandatory, we say so clearly.
Corrections policy: If a factual error is identified, we check it against the original vacancy or an authoritative source and correct confirmed mistakes promptly, flagging significant corrections where appropriate.
Disclaimer: Meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee shortlisting, an interview or appointment. The Office of the Chief Justice runs its own recruitment and selection process. Make sure everything you submit is accurate, and verify the latest vacancy details before applying.
Closing date: 5 October 2026 | Reference: 2026/136/OCJ
