Chief Land Claims Commissioner – Pretoria – Department Of Land Reform And Rural Development

Chief Land Claims Commissioner at the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development in Pretoria, a vital government job in South Africa

Published 12 October 2026
Closing Date Closed
Location
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Chief Land Claims Commissioner position is a pivotal role within the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, located in the bustling city of Pretoria, Gauteng. This position is essential for providing strategic leadership and guidance in the provision of restitution services, ensuring that communities have equitable access to land rights and ownership. As South Africa continues to navigate its land reform landscape, the Chief Land Claims Commissioner will play a crucial role in implementing the functions of the Commission established under the Restitution of Land Rights Act No. 22 of 1994, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and poverty eradication in the nation.

In this influential role, the Commissioner will interface with various stakeholders, including the Executive Authority and the Director-General, fostering partnerships across government and civil society. This position is not just about managing processes; it is about driving transformation and ensuring that the objectives of land restitution are met with utmost integrity and effectiveness. By leading a dedicated team, the Chief Land Claims Commissioner will help shape the future of land rights in South Africa, making a meaningful impact on the lives of countless citizens.

About the Department

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development is committed to addressing historical injustices related to land ownership in South Africa. Its mission is to facilitate equitable access to land and to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged communities through effective land reform. Working within this department means being part of a transformative journey that aims to rectify past imbalances while promoting sustainable development and social cohesion. Every day, employees contribute to a vision of a fair and just society, making their work deeply meaningful.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights and oversee the Restitution Branch.
  • Advise the Executive Authority on policy development and implementation regarding land rights.
  • Ensure high-quality restitution projects that align with poverty eradication and sustainable development objectives.
  • Manage the coordination of strategic planning, operational work plans, and financial management services for the Commission.
  • Develop and implement a well-defined communication strategy for effective stakeholder engagement.
  • Oversee risk management and compliance to protect the interests of the Commission and its stakeholders.
  • Foster partnerships with government, business, and civil society to enhance the impact of land reform initiatives.

What You’ll Need

  • A Grade 12 Certificate and an Honours Degree/Advanced Diploma in Social Sciences, Economics, Natural Sciences, Law, or Development Studies (NQF Level 8).
  • A Nyukela certificate (Pre-entry Certificate to the SMS) submitted prior to appointment.
  • At least 8 years of senior managerial experience in a Land Reform or Restitution environment.
  • Strong understanding of government priorities, land reform legislation, and public financial management.
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities in a large and complex organization.
  • A valid driver’s license and excellent communication, strategic planning, and financial management skills.

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 [email protected].

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.

Minimum of 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, Monitoring and evaluation, Negotiation and conflict resolution, Customer focus and Computer literacy.

Job Duties

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 44 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.

Salary

R1 885 710 per annum (Level 15), (all-inclusive package). The package includes a basic salary (70% of the package) and a flexible portion that may be structured in accordance with the rules for Senior Management Services (SMS). (5 years employment contract)

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 [email protected] For Enquiries: Dr AF van Staden Tel No: (012) 312 9626