Chief Land Claims Commissioner

About the role

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is hiring a Chief Land Claims Commissioner in Restitution, based in Gauteng (Pretoria). This is a contract post, paying R1,885,710 a year. How to apply: Nominations or applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to: 600 Lilian Ngoyi Street (formerly known as Van Der Walt Street) Berea Park, Pretoria, 0001 or by email to Post274@dlrrd.gov.za Reference number to quote: 3/1/1/1/2026/274 Closing date: 23 October 2026 at 16:00 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: EE Targets: Coloured and Indian Males, and African, Coloured and Indian Females, and Persons with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and guidance for the provision of Restitution services in the following areas: Provide strategic leadership and direction as well as implement the functions of the Commission are described in the Restitution of Land Rights Act No. 22 of 1994.
• Provide access to rights in land, including land ownership and sustainable development.
• Serve as the Head of the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights and the Branch Restitution.
• Advise the Executive Authority on policy development and implementation.
• Interface with broader processes around land reform at the national level.
• Interface with the Director-General:
• Land Reform and Rural Development in his/her capacity as the accounting officer of the Commission
• Ensure that Restitution projects are of high quality and conform to policy objectives of poverty eradication and sustainable development
• Ensure effective governance, accountability and compliance with relevant legislation
• Drive organisational performance, transformation and service delivery
• Coordinate strategic planning and compilation of APP
• Provide financial management services to the Commission
• Provide legal support to Commission in terms of restitution issues
• Provide risk and compliance services to the Commission
• Manage Commission finances, human resource and assets
• Coordinate service delivery
• Provides strategic management and direction to the Branch:
• Develops Restitution strategic plan in agreement with the Director-General: Department of land Reform and Rural Development
• Develops and reports on annual Restitution operational and work plans linked to the Restitution Act
• Prepares financial reports/statements on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis
• Estimates progress review and budget adjustments on an annual basis
• Prepares technical procedures and standards according to policy
• Sets realistic goals and objectives for the Commission and the Branch to be attained
• Coordinates the development and maintenance of Branch system and controls
• Ensures protection of the Branch from risk and fraud at all times
• Develops a well-defined communication strategy for the Branch
• Provides strategic direction towards an effective and efficient commission: Oversee implementation towards establishing schedule 3 (A) Entity.
• Approves business Case and legislation.
• Redesign the settlement models in sector categories.
• Foster stakeholder relations and partnerships across government, business and civil society.
• Lead and Manage the Business unit in accordance with good Governance: Ensure participation at Quality Control Committees (QCC) and signing approval of claims.
• Manage Restitution Legal Matters including Litigation and Compliance matters.
• Manage IT Systems.
• Manage expenditure risk.
• Ensure that revised institutional form is implemented.
• Develop a detailed business process linked to the standard operating procedures and time frames to ensure effective information and records management.
• Ensure that the Statutory commission meetings are held in compliance with the Restitution.
• Decide on request for access to information in terms of PAIA: Undertake functions as the information officer of the Commission.
• Manage the identification and locate records.
• Ensure that the third parties are notified where required.
• Take decisions on whether to grant/deny access.
• Manage the calculated charges applicable to fees.
• Provide access to records if the decision is to grant access.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements:
• Applicants must be in a possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and Honours Degree/Advanced Diploma in Social Sciences/Economics/Natural Sciences/Law or Development Studies (NQF Level 8) and a Nyukela certificate (Pre-entry Certificate to the SMS) submitted prior to appointment
• At least 8 years of experience at senior managerial level in Land Reform/Restitution Environment
• Demonstrated leadership in a large complex organisation
• A valid driver’s licence
• Job related knowledge:
• Understanding of key priorities of government
• As well as the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP)
• Infrastructure planning and implementation
• Public Service Act
• Public Financial Management Act
• Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act
• Project management
• Programme management
• Strategic capacity and planning
• Budgeting
• Expenditure reporting
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Human resource management
• Supply chain management
• Knowledge of the Constitution and Land Reform legislation
• Job related skills:
• Communication (Both verbal and written)
• Strategic planning and leadership
• Presentation and facilitation
• Report writing
• People management
• Financial management
• Business management/Public management
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Customer focus and Computer literacy