CHIEF REGISTRAR

The Chief Registrar position is a senior leadership role within the North West Division of the High Court, based in Mmabatho. Reporting within the Office of the Chief Justice, the incumbent is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the court’s registry, documentation systems, and case flow processes. This is an Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) graded post, meaning the appointed candidate will be bound by a performance agreement and will have their years of relevant experience formally verified through service certificates at the shortlisting stage. The role sits at the heart of the court’s administration, ensuring that judicial functions are supported by efficient, accountable, and well-organised registry services.

Candidates must hold an LLB degree or an equivalent four-year legal qualification recognised by SAQA. A minimum of eight years’ post-qualification experience as a Registrar is required, along with a valid driver’s licence. The role demands a broad and deep knowledge base, including registry duties, the legislative framework governing the public service, storage and retrieval procedures, quasi-judicial functions, case flow management, court documentation management, and the Batho Pele principles. Strong planning, organising, numeracy, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are essential, as is computer literacy in MS Office. Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal relations, report writing, and interviewing skills are also required to manage staff and engage effectively with both internal colleagues and external stakeholders.

The duties are wide-ranging. The Chief Registrar will manage the information and case/court documentation management system by implementing an information desk, developing a complaints management system, maintaining regular engagement with external court stakeholders, and ensuring that relevant registers are checked according to prescribed codes. In support of court and case flow management, the role involves developing and implementing case management strategies, reviewing and launching projects to improve court efficiency, and embedding a robust documentation and information management system. The post also carries responsibility for implementing service level agreements and strategic court projects, including ensuring that J33 requests to service providers are returned timeously, liaising with providers for smooth service delivery, and reviewing proposed amendments from the rules board with substantive comments.

Leadership of the High Court is a core component. The Chief Registrar will develop annual institutional performance reports and other statutory reports, provide direction and guidance based on best court management practices, and lead transformation within the court. Staff supervision and development are equally important: the role requires general oversight of employees, allocation of duties, quality control of work produced by officials, management of staff leave, and providing advice and leadership to supervisees across all aspects of their work. The organisation will apply its Employment Equity goals when considering candidates, and the post is advertised through the Public Service Vacancy Circular. This is a demanding but pivotal role for a legal professional seeking to shape the administration of justice at a provincial High Court level.