ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT (CUSTOMARY INITIATION)

This position, based in Johannesburg within the Department of Community Safety’s Traditional Institutional Management directorate, focuses on the oversight and administration of customary initiation in the province. The Assistant Director will act as a central coordinator for the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC), ensuring that all role-players work together effectively and within the framework of the Customary Initiation Act. The role is situated within the broader public service environment and carries the responsibilities associated with a mid-level management post, requiring both strategic coordination and hands-on administrative delivery.

Applicants must hold a Matric certificate together with an NQF level 6 National Diploma in Development Studies or a relevant SAQA-recognised qualification. A minimum of three to five years of experience working with the institution of Traditional and Khoi-San leadership, or within the customary initiation environment, is required. A Certificate of Competency issued by a recognised Senior Traditional Leader, confirming the applicant as a male or female initiate, will be an added advantage. The role demands a solid working knowledge of the Customary Initiation Act, No. 2 of 2021, related policy guidelines and legislative processes, the institution of Traditional Leadership, the Public Finance Management Act, and broader Public Service regulatory frameworks. Essential skills include excellent communication and report writing, conflict handling, interpersonal skills, organising, time management, problem solving, project management, computer literacy, and the ability to coordinate and facilitate stakeholders. A valid driver’s licence and South African citizenship are compulsory.

The incumbent’s duties are broad. A core function is coordinating and supporting the PICC, which includes developing and annually reviewing its terms of reference, identifying and appointing stakeholders, facilitating quarterly meetings, taking minutes, tracking resolutions, and developing annual implementation plans. The role also involves inducting and training PICC members. Administrative support forms another major pillar: developing systems to process applications received, approved and rejected; communicating PICC decisions to applicants; preparing seasonal provincial statistical reports; and managing fatalities arising from initiation schools in line with legislative prescripts.

The position also carries a significant policy development mandate. The incumbent will draft provincial policy on customary initiation, consult stakeholders, coordinate legislative processes for province-specific regulations, facilitate EXCO approval and State Law Advisor pre-certification, and ensure the referral of the Bill to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. In addition, the role involves facilitating training, awareness and stakeholder support by developing concept documents, coordinating annual training for the PICC, Provincial Initiation Monitoring Teams, traditional surgeons and principals, conducting community awareness programmes, coordinating printed communication materials, and facilitating media statements, press briefings and interviews before and after initiation seasons.

This post is subject to the department’s recruitment and vetting processes. Shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and successful candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks covering criminal records, citizenship, credit records, qualifications and employment history. The department encourages youth and people with disabilities, as well as candidates from coloured, Indian and white population groups, to apply, with a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner required where applicable. Applicants should note that only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications, and foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.