Moses Kotane Research Institute Is Offering a 24-Month Legal Experiential Learnership

A rare legal experiential learnership in KwaZulu-Natal is now open — and it pays up to R16 000 per month. The Moses Kotane Research Institute has re-advertised a 24-month Legal and Corporate Affairs experiential position in Durban for admitted Legal Practitioners. But only one post is available.

If you have completed an LLB, been admitted as a Legal Practitioner, and are looking for structured legal experience, the Moses Kotane Research Institute experiential learnership could be the next step in your career.

The institute has re-advertised its Experiential Learner: Legal and Corporate Affairs position for 2026.

The programme offers:

  • A 24-month fixed-term contract
  • A monthly stipend between R13 000 and R16 000
  • Real legal and compliance work
  • A placement at the institute’s Durban office

Applications close 20 March 2026.

What Is the MKRI Legal Experiential Learnership?

The Moses Kotane Research Institute programme provides structured legal training inside a public research institution.

Participants work within the Corporate Services Unit, supporting legal and compliance functions across the organisation.

The role focuses on:

  • Contract management
  • Legal compliance
  • Policy drafting
  • Corporate legal administration

This provides real exposure to public sector legal governance and institutional compliance systems.

Learnership Overview

DetailInformation
PositionExperiential Learner: Legal and Corporate Affairs
Reference NumberEL/LEGAL-02/2026
InstitutionMoses Kotane Research Institute
LocationDurban
Contract24-month fixed-term
StipendR13 000 – R16 000 per month
Posts Available1
Closing Date20 March 2026
Application Emailrecruitment@moseskotane.com

What Does the Moses Kotane Research Institute Do?

The Moses Kotane Research Institute is a public institution focused on:

  • Research and innovation
  • Economic development in KwaZulu-Natal
  • Maritime coordination initiatives
  • Strategic policy research

Legal and compliance oversight is essential for its operations, which is why the institute offers this experiential legal training opportunity.

What Are the Minimum Requirements?

Applicants must meet the following mandatory requirements.

Essential Qualifications

You must have:

  • LLB (NQF Level 8)
  • Admission as a Legal Practitioner of the High Court of South Africa
  • Completed Practical Legal Training or Pupillage
  • 2026 Letter of Good Standing from the Legal Practice Council
  • A valid driver’s licence

Advantageous Qualifications

The following may strengthen your application:

  • LLM (NQF Level 9)
  • Experience in Commercial, Corporate, or Labour Law
  • Exposure to CCMA matters
  • Contract drafting experience
  • Intellectual Property Law qualifications

What Skills Does the Institute Look For?

Successful candidates should demonstrate strong professional competencies.

Key Skills

Applicants should have:

  • Strong legal research and analytical skills
  • Ability to interpret legislation
  • Experience drafting contracts and legal opinions
  • Policy drafting and review capabilities
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

These skills are essential for functioning effectively in an institutional legal environment.

What Will Your Responsibilities Be?

The experiential learner will assist the Legal and Corporate Affairs division in several operational areas.

Contract Management

Responsibilities include:

  • Drafting and reviewing contracts
  • Coordinating contract processes
  • Managing contract administration

Legal Compliance

You will help ensure that the organisation meets its legal obligations by:

  • Monitoring compliance processes
  • Supporting regulatory reporting
  • Maintaining legal documentation

HR and Legal Administration

The role also supports:

  • Employment-related legal documentation
  • HR compliance procedures
  • Internal governance processes

Policy Drafting and Review

The learner may assist with:

  • Drafting new policies
  • Reviewing existing policies
  • Aligning policies with legal requirements

Who Cannot Apply?

Applications will be automatically disqualified if applicants have:

  • A criminal record
  • A disciplinary record
  • Non-South African citizenship

These conditions are strictly enforced.

What Documents Must You Submit?

Applicants must submit a complete application package.

Required documents include:

  • Detailed CV
  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Certified copy of driver’s licence
  • Certified copies of qualifications (not older than 6 months)
  • 2026 Letter of Good Standing from the Legal Practice Council

Ensure that all documents are recently certified before submission.

How Do You Apply for the MKRI Legal Experiential Learnership?

Applications are submitted via email only.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Ensure all documents are certified and up to date.

Step 2: Send Your Application Email

Email your application to:

recruitment@moseskotane.com

Step 3: Use the Correct Subject Line

Your email subject line must include:

Experiential Learner: Legal and Corporate Affairs — EL/LEGAL-02/2026

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

The closing date is 20 March 2026.

If you do not receive feedback within six weeks, your application may be considered unsuccessful.

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Final Thoughts

The Moses Kotane Research Institute Legal Experiential Learnership is one of the strongest early-career legal opportunities currently available in KwaZulu-Natal.

With real legal work, a competitive stipend, and 24 months of institutional legal exposure, it offers newly admitted practitioners a valuable pathway into professional legal practice.

If you meet the requirements, prepare your certified documents and submit your application before 20 March 2026. Only one position is available.

Itumeleng Ndlovu

Itumeleng Ndlovu is the Founder and Managing Editor of SETA Careers, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills development programmes. She specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges, and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable, and up-to-date guidance. She is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so South African students and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence. Contact: info@setacareers.co.za