The Office of the Chief Justice invites interested and suitable candidates to apply for the position of Security Officer within the judiciary environment. Applications are currently open for the Security Officer vacancy at the KwaZulu-Natal Local Division of the High Court in Durban. The department is looking for disciplined, reliable, and professional individuals capable of maintaining security standards within one of South Africa’s important judicial institutions.

This government vacancy offers permanent employment with a competitive salary package and the opportunity to work within the public service sector. Candidates with security experience, PSIRA registration, and strong knowledge of access control procedures are encouraged to submit applications before the official closing date.

The department continues to promote equal employment opportunities in line with the Constitution of South Africa, Employment Equity legislation, and Human Resources transformation objectives. Preference will be given to women, youth, and persons living with disabilities during the recruitment process.

Security Officer Job Details

• Position: Security Officer
• Reference Number: 2026/39/OCJ
• Salary Package: R170 226 – R200 523 per annum (Salary Level 03)
• Job Location: KwaZulu-Natal Local Division of the High Court
• Department: Office of the Chief Justice
• Employment Type: Permanent
• Closing Date: 05 June 2026

Performance Agreement

The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement after appointment.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates interested in applying for this Security Officer vacancy must satisfy the minimum educational and professional requirements listed below.

Applicants should possess:

• Grade 10 qualification or ABET Level 3 qualification recognised by SAQA
• Basic Security Officer’s Course certificate
• Grade C PSIRA certificate that is still valid
• Minimum of one year experience within the security industry
• Understanding of security operations and access control procedures

A valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage during the recruitment process.

Candidates shortlisted for interviews will be required to complete a practical assessment exercise to determine whether they possess the necessary technical and operational skills required for the position.

Skills and Competencies

The department requires candidates with strong communication abilities, excellent observation skills, and knowledge of security legislation applicable within government buildings and court facilities.

Important competencies include:

• Knowledge of the Access to Public Premises and Vehicle Act
• Understanding of security legislation and procedures
• Knowledge of access control systems
• Knowledge of Protection of Information legislation
• Understanding of MIS and NISA security procedures
• CCTV monitoring knowledge
• Good interpersonal relations
• Problem-solving abilities
• Client service orientation
• Effective communication skills
• Decision-making abilities
• Computer literacy
• Listening skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Knowledge of Batho Pele Principles
• Emergency response understanding
• Report writing abilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will perform various security-related responsibilities aimed at protecting court premises, government property, officials, and visitors.

Access Control Responsibilities

The Security Officer will:

• Perform access control functions at entry and exit points
• Determine whether visitors have appointments
• Confirm appointments with relevant employees
• Refer visitors to correct service delivery areas
• Ensure admission control registers are completed properly
• Issue visitor cards and access documentation
• Use walk-through metal detectors effectively
• Prevent dangerous objects from entering the premises
• Prevent unauthorised individuals from accessing restricted areas
• Report security breaches and incidents to supervisors

Access control remains one of the most important responsibilities within government institutions because courts receive large numbers of visitors daily, including officials, legal representatives, members of the public, and detainees.

Asset and Equipment Control

The Security Officer will also monitor the movement of government property and sensitive documents.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring equipment does not leave the premises without authorisation
• Monitoring movement of departmental stores and assets
• Verifying movement registers
• Inspecting vehicles entering and exiting the premises
• Preventing theft and unauthorised removal of equipment
• Handling classified or sensitive documents according to procedures
• Reporting missing or stolen items immediately

Government departments rely heavily on security personnel to protect state assets and confidential information from loss, theft, or damage.

CCTV Monitoring and Security Systems

The successful candidate will work with security technology and monitoring systems used within the court environment.

Duties include:

• Operating control room security equipment
• Monitoring CCTV cameras continuously
• Observing movement and activities inside the premises
• Reporting suspicious activities
• Ensuring alarm systems function properly
• Reporting technical faults affecting security systems
• Monitoring compliance with departmental security policies

Security systems are essential in maintaining order within court facilities and ensuring rapid response to incidents.

Patrol and Emergency Responsibilities

The position also involves physical patrol duties and emergency response procedures.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting regular patrols inside and outside the building
• Identifying security risks and suspicious activities
• Responding to alarms
• Applying emergency procedures during incidents
• Assisting during bomb scares, riots, or threats
• Contacting emergency services when necessary
• Ensuring safety of employees and visitors
• Recording incidents accurately in occurrence books

Security officers working within courts are expected to remain alert and prepared to respond quickly to emergencies at all times.

Administrative and Reporting Functions

Administrative duties form part of daily security operations.

The successful candidate will:

• Maintain occurrence books and security registers
• Record incidents accurately
• Update records regularly
• Liaise with supervisors regarding security matters
• Submit reports on incidents and observations
• Perform duties delegated by supervisors or Court Managers

Accurate recordkeeping is essential in ensuring accountability and maintaining proper security documentation within government institutions.

Importance of Security Officers in the Judiciary

Security personnel working within the judiciary environment play a critical role in protecting judges, court staff, visitors, witnesses, and government property. Courts deal with sensitive legal matters daily, making security operations an important component of judicial services.

The presence of trained security officers helps ensure:

• Public safety inside court facilities
• Protection of classified documents
• Prevention of unauthorised access
• Rapid emergency response
• Safe movement of visitors and officials
• Protection of government assets

Court security positions require professionalism, integrity, discipline, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Application Process

Applications for this vacancy may be submitted through email, hand delivery, or postal services.

Email Applications

• Applications can be submitted electronically to: 2026/39/[email protected]
• Applicants must combine all documents into one PDF file before submission.

Postal Applications

Applications may be posted to:

The Provincial Head
Office of the Chief Justice
Private Bag X54314
Durban
4001

Hand Delivered Applications

Applications may also be hand delivered to:

Office No 118, 1st Floor
Corner Somtseu and Stalwart Simelane Streets
Durban
4000

Applicants interested in positions advertised by the Office of the Chief Justice are required to submit applications using the new Z83 application form. The form can be downloaded online from the official judiciary website or the Department of Public Service and Administration vacancies portal. Applicants may also obtain the form from any Public Service Department across South Africa. Every application must include a recently updated comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) together with contactable referees. Referees must include valid telephone numbers and email addresses to allow the department to conduct verification and reference checks during the recruitment process.

The department requires applicants to submit all application documents in PDF format combined into a single folder or document before submission. This requirement is important to ensure that applications are processed efficiently and that supporting documents are not misplaced during the recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to double-check that all information and attachments are complete before sending applications to avoid disqualification due to missing documents.

Only candidates who are shortlisted will be requested to submit certified copies of qualifications and other supporting documents. These documents must be submitted on or before the interview date after communication has been received from the Human Resources section. Applicants are therefore advised to keep certified copies ready in preparation for further recruitment stages.

Shortlisted candidates will also be expected to participate in two compulsory pre-entry assessments as part of the recruitment process. One assessment will involve a practical exercise designed to evaluate the candidate’s technical abilities and understanding of the job requirements. The second assessment will focus on integrity and ethical conduct. These assessments form an important part of the selection process and will contribute to the overall evaluation of candidates during interviews.

Selection panels will score both technical exercises as additional criteria during the recruitment process. Candidates applying for Senior Management Service (SMS) positions will undergo an additional technical competency assessment aimed at evaluating specialised knowledge and technical understanding related to the position. Information regarding the logistics and arrangements for these assessments will be communicated directly by the department to shortlisted applicants.

Following interviews and technical assessments, candidates shortlisted for SMS positions may also be recommended to participate in generic managerial competency assessments using the official DPSA SMS competency assessment tools. These assessments are designed to evaluate leadership abilities, decision-making skills, communication competencies, strategic thinking, and overall managerial capability required within senior government positions.

Applicants should also be aware that consent may be requested for access to social media accounts during parts of the recruitment and verification process. This may form part of broader background screening procedures conducted by the department when assessing the suitability of candidates for appointment within the public service environment.

Before appointment into Senior Management Service positions, successful candidates will be required to complete the Nyukela Programme, which serves as a Pre-entry Certificate to Senior Management Services. This programme is endorsed by the Department of Public Service and Administration and offered through the National School of Government. The programme is completed online and is regarded as a compulsory requirement before appointment into SMS positions within government departments.

Full details regarding the programme can be obtained from the official National School of Government website at: NSG SMS Pre-entry Programme

Applicants are reminded that every application form must be fully completed, signed, and initialled on all required pages. Incomplete application forms or forms missing signatures and initials may result in automatic disqualification during the selection process. Applicants must also ensure that the correct job title, office location, and reference number are clearly stated on the application form exactly as reflected in the official advertisement.

Applications submitted using the old Z83 form will not be accepted. The department has emphasised that only the updated version of the Z83 form will be considered during recruitment processes. Applicants in possession of foreign qualifications must ensure that those qualifications are accompanied by SAQA evaluation certificates before submission. Failure to provide proper evaluation documentation may negatively affect the application.

Suitable candidates will undergo various personnel suitability checks before final appointment decisions are made. These checks may include criminal record verification, financial checks, qualification verification, citizenship verification, employment verification, and reference checks. The department may also conduct additional screening procedures where necessary to confirm the authenticity of information submitted by applicants.

Communication regarding applications will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Applicants who do not receive feedback within three months after the closing date should accept that their applications were unsuccessful. Due to the high number of applications often received within government recruitment processes, individual feedback may not be provided to unsuccessful applicants.

The Office of the Chief Justice reserves the right not to make appointments to advertised posts. Applications received after the closing date or applications that fail to comply with stated requirements will not be considered. Failure to submit all requested documents may also result in disqualification during the screening and selection process.

Successful candidates appointed within the department will be expected to enter into employment contracts and performance agreements within three months after appointment. In addition, successful applicants will be required to undergo security clearance procedures within three months after employment begins.

The department complies fully with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No. 4 of 2013. Personal information submitted during recruitment processes will be used strictly for recruitment purposes and specifically for the advertised position applied for. In cases where applications are unsuccessful, personal information may still be retained for internal audit purposes in accordance with departmental policies and legislative requirements.

All information requested throughout the recruitment process is regarded as necessary for recruitment purposes. Failure to provide required information may result in applications being declared null and void. The department has also confirmed that all personal information shared during recruitment processes will be treated confidentially and safeguarded according to applicable data protection legislation and internal security procedures.