The South African Board for Sheriffs (SABFS) has invited suitably qualified and fit and proper persons to apply for vacant offices of sheriffs across several provinces in South Africa.
The vacancies are being re-advertised following the lapse of the previous recruitment process and the subsequent non-filling of the advertised sheriff offices. Applicants who previously applied must therefore submit new applications to be considered for the re-advertised vacancies.
The available sheriff offices cover areas in Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape.
The closing date for applications is 2 November 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be accepted.
Sheriff Vacancies 2026
The advertised vacant sheriff offices include positions serving the High and Lower Courts, unless otherwise specified.
Eastern Cape
Vacant sheriff offices are available in the following areas:
- Aberdeen HL
- Jansenville HL
- Steytlerville HL
- Middelburg HL
- Graaff-Reinet HL
- Willowmore HL
- Murraysburg HL
- Alexandria HL
- Aliwal North HL
- Bizana HL
- Flagstaff HL
- Tabankulu HL
- Butterworth HL
- Centane HL
- East London L
- Engcobo HL
- Lady Grey HL
- Sterkspruit HL
- Lusikisiki HL
- Port St Johns HL
- Mdantsane HL
- Keiskammahoek HL
- Seymour HL
- Stutterheim HL
- Komga HL
- Nqeleni HL
- Tsolo HL
- Libode HL
- Maluti HL
- Mount Fletcher HL
- Matatiele HL
- Mthatha HL
- Mount Ayliff HL
- Mount Frere HL
- Qumbu HL
- Zwelitsha HL
Applicants interested in establishing and operating a sheriff’s office in any of these areas must meet the prescribed requirements and submit the required documentation.
Free State
The following sheriff offices are advertised in the Free State:
- Bloemfontein West HL
- Boshof HL
- Bultfontein HL
- Dewetsdorp & Wepener HL
- Jacobsdal HL
- Koppies HL
- Letsemeng HL
- Winburg HL
- Tseke HL
- Tsheseng HL
- Parys HL
- Viljoenskroon HL
- Vredefort HL
- Setsoto HL
- Steynsrus HL
The successful applicants will be responsible for operating their sheriff offices and performing the functions associated with the service and execution of court processes in accordance with the applicable legislation and prescribed tariffs.
KwaZulu-Natal
Vacant sheriff offices are available in:
- Durban West
- Dannhauser HL
- Dundee HL
- Glencoe HL
- Nqutu HL
- Durban South HL
- Eshowe HL
- Greytown HL
- Ingwavuma HL
- Kranskop HL
- Maphumulo HL
- New Hanover HL
- Lower Umfolozi (Richards Bay) HL
- Madadeni HL
- Manguzi HL
- Nkandla HL
- Paulpietersburg HL
- Pongola HL
- Utrecht HL
- Ubombo HL
- Ugu 2 HL
Limpopo
The advertised sheriff offices in Limpopo include:
- Giyani HL
- Lephalale HL
- Phalala (Witpoort) HL
- Makhuduthamaga (Nebo & Sekhukhune) HL
- Mankweng (Sovenga) HL
- Modimolle HL
- Musina HL
- Polokwane HL
- Thabazimbi HL
Applicants based in or intending to establish a sheriff office in one of these areas must demonstrate that they have the required qualifications, knowledge and financial ability to operate the office.
Mpumalanga
Vacancies are available in:
- Belfast L
- Waterval Boven L
- Belfast H
- Machadodorp H
- Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme HL
- Emalahleni (Witbank) HL
- Graskop & Sabie HL
- Groblersdal & Moutse HL
- Kriel HL
- Mapulaneng HL
- Mhala HL
North West
The following sheriff offices are advertised:
- Bafokeng H
- Bafokeng L
- Lehurutshe/Zeerust & Groot Marico HL
- Molopo (Mahikeng) H
- Orkney HL
- Rustenburg H
- Rustenburg L
- Schweizer Reneke & Wolmaransstad HL
Western Cape
Vacant sheriff offices include:
- Bonnievale HL & Montagu HL
- Hermanus HL
- Heidelberg HL
- Kuilsriver North HL
- Mossel Bay HL
- Oudtshoorn HL
- Riversdale HL
- Robertson HL
- Swellendam HL
- Van Rhynsdorp HL & Vredendal HL
- Worcester HL
- Wynberg North HL
- Ceres HL
- Tulbagh & Wolseley HL
- Albertinia HL
Requirements for Holding an Office of Sheriff
Applicants must satisfy the requirements for appointment as a sheriff and demonstrate that they are suitable to establish and operate a sheriff’s office.
A candidate must be a South African citizen or have been lawfully admitted to South Africa for permanent residence and be ordinarily resident in the Republic.
Applicants must also be fit and proper persons and must be able to demonstrate the financial and other ability required to establish and operate a sheriff’s office.
In addition, applicants must be competent to conduct the business of a sheriff and must possess at least an appropriate post-Grade 12 qualification.
Educational Qualification
The required post-Grade 12 qualification may be a certificate, diploma and/or degree obtained from a recognised tertiary or higher learning institution.
The qualification must enhance the applicant’s knowledge of the business of a sheriff and/or legal and court processes.
The qualification must have been obtained after completing a Grade 12 certificate, unless the applicant was granted an applicable age exemption.
Where an applicant relies on an age exemption, proof of the exemption must be obtained from the Department of Education.
Applicants who hold an international certificate, diploma or degree must provide proof from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Applicants should ensure that copies of their educational qualifications are properly certified before submitting the application.
Understanding of Civil Law
Applicants must have an understanding of civil law.
A sheriff performs important functions connected to court processes and therefore requires an appropriate understanding of legal and court procedures.
Applicants should also have knowledge and an understanding of the relevant provisions of legislation affecting the work of a sheriff.
These include aspects of the:
- Constitution of South Africa
- Insolvency Act
- Magistrates’ Court Act
- State Liability Act
- Prescription Act
- Criminal Procedure Act
- Sheriffs Act
- Security by Means of Movable Property Act
- Labour Relations Act
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act
- Maintenance Act
- Rental Housing Act
- National Credit Act
- Consumer Protection Act
- Superior Courts Act
- Rules of Superior and Lower Courts
- Rules of the Supreme Court of Appeal
Knowledge of these legal frameworks is important because sheriff offices deal directly with court processes, execution procedures and other legal documents.
Financial and Business Requirements
A sheriff is not an employee of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
A sheriff generates income from the service and execution of court documents in accordance with prescribed tariffs.
Consequently, applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to establish and operate a sheriff’s office.
The applicant must be able to conduct business relating to the service of summonses and other court processes.
The work also includes the execution of warrants of execution, ejectment interdicts and garnishee orders.
Other responsibilities may include making inventories when processing warrants of execution, providing returns of service, conducting execution auctions and maintaining a sheriff’s trust account.
Applicants therefore need to understand that appointment as a sheriff involves operating an office and conducting the relevant business in accordance with the law and applicable requirements.
Fidelity Fund Certificate
A person appointed as a sheriff may not perform the functions of a sheriff unless the person has been issued with a Fidelity Fund Certificate.
The certificate is issued by the South African Board for Sheriffs.
Applicants should therefore be aware of the requirements associated with obtaining and maintaining the necessary authorisation to perform sheriff functions.
Outside Employment
A person appointed as a sheriff may not perform or engage in other remunerative work outside the sheriff’s office without approval from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Applicants should consider this requirement carefully before applying.
Demographic Representation
Preference will be given to applicants whose appointments will promote equitable demographic representation and inclusiveness in terms of race, gender, disability or other constitutionally recognised grounds.
This forms part of the consideration process for the advertised sheriff offices.
Documents Required
Applications must be completed using Form 1 (J743) and must be accompanied by the required supporting documentation.
Applicants must submit the following:
- A completed Form 1 (J743).
- A curriculum vitae.
- A certified copy of the applicant’s identity document.
- Certified copies of all educational qualifications.
- Certified copies of certificates of service or, where these are not available, an affidavit from the applicant regarding previous periods of employment.
- Testimonials from two previous employers, where available.
- Details regarding the nature and history of any past or present business undertaking, occupation or trade.
- The names, addresses and telephone numbers of two references.
- An affidavit concerning previous convictions and sequestrations, if applicable.
- An affidavit, together with supporting documents where applicable, demonstrating the applicant’s financial ability to establish and operate a sheriff’s office.
- A list of the applicant’s assets and liabilities.
- A certified copy of a valid driver’s licence, if the applicant has one.
Applicants should carefully check that every required document is included before submitting the application.
Incomplete applications or applications that do not comply with the stated requirements will not be considered.
Where to Obtain Form 1 (J743)
- The application form, Form 1 (J743), can be obtained from the following websites:
- Department of Justice: www.justice.gov.za
- South African Board for Sheriffs: www.sheriffs.org.za
- Forms may also be requested from the Court Manager at a Magistrates’ Office.
- Applicants should use the prescribed form and ensure that all sections relevant to the application are completed correctly.
Applying for More Than One Sheriff Office
Applicants interested in more than one vacant sheriff office should pay particular attention to the application procedure.
Part B of Form 1 provides for an applicant to list three vacant sheriff offices within a specific province.
If an applicant wishes to apply for vacant sheriff offices in different provinces, separate Form 1 applications must be submitted for the relevant vacant sheriff offices in each province.
Applicants should therefore carefully identify the offices and provinces for which they intend to apply before completing their forms.
How to Submit the Application
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery or by email.
For hand delivery, applications must be placed in the application boxes at the Head Office of the South African Board for Sheriffs (SABFS):
South African Board for Sheriffs Head Office
25 Thornhill Office Park
Midrand
Gauteng
Applications can also be submitted electronically to:
Applicants who hand deliver their applications at the SABFS Head or Regional Office are also required to submit the application electronically to [email protected].
Closing Date
The closing date for the vacant sheriff offices is: 2 November 2026
Applications must be submitted before the close of business at 16:00 on 2 November 2026.
No late applications will be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents well in advance of the closing date, particularly because the application requires several certified documents, affidavits and supporting information.
Important Information for Applicants
The advertised sheriff offices are subject to the rationalisation of courts.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development reserves the right not to fill a sheriff’s office that has been advertised.
Applicants should also take note that appointment is not guaranteed simply because an application has been submitted.
According to the advertisement, applicants who do not receive an invitation to attend an interview within three months may regard their application as unsuccessful.
Because this is a re-advertisement, people who applied during the previous process must submit new applications to be considered for the current vacancies.
Enquiries
All enquiries concerning the advertised sheriff vacancies must be submitted in writing.
Enquiries can be directed to:
Ms K Mogotsi
Email: [email protected]
Applicants should ensure that enquiries are submitted sufficiently early to allow time for clarification before the closing date.
Summary of Sheriff Vacancies
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Sheriff / Office of Sheriff |
| Areas | Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape |
| Employer/Authority | South African Board for Sheriffs / Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development |
| Qualification | Appropriate post-Grade 12 certificate, diploma and/or degree |
| Key knowledge | Civil law and relevant legislation and court rules |
| Business requirement | Ability to establish and operate a sheriff’s office |
| Citizenship | South African citizen or qualifying permanent resident |
| Application Form | Form 1 (J743) |
| Application Method | Hand delivery and email |
| [email protected] | |
| Closing Date | 2 November 2026 |
| Closing Time | 16:00 |
| Late Applications | Not accepted |
How to Apply for Sheriff Vacancies
Interested and suitably qualified applicants should obtain Form 1 (J743) from the Department of Justice or South African Board for Sheriffs website and complete the form in accordance with the instructions.
The completed application must be accompanied by the required CV, certified identity document, certified qualifications, employment documentation, references, affidavits and financial information.
Applications should be submitted to the South African Board for Sheriffs at the specified address or emailed to [email protected].
Applicants applying for vacancies in different provinces must submit separate Form 1 applications for the relevant provinces.
Closing date: 2 November 2026 at 16:00.
Important: This is a re-advertisement. Applicants who submitted applications during the previous process must submit new applications for these vacancies.