MKRI Experiential Learnership 2026: Legal & Corporate Affairs

The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) is inviting highly qualified legal professionals to apply for the re-advertised position of Experiential Learner: Legal & Corporate Affairs. Based in Durban, this prestigious 24-month contract is designed to bolster the institute’s Corporate Services Unit by providing high-level legal and administrative support.

This is a rare opportunity for an admitted legal practitioner to gain specialized experience in research-driven innovation and maritime coordination environments.

Quick Intake Overview

• Organization: Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI)
• Location: Durban (MKRI Office)
• Reference Number: EL/LEGAL-02/2026
• Stipend: R13,000 – R16,000 per month
• Contract Duration: 24 Months (Fixed Term)
• Closing Date: 20 March 2026

🚀 Student Desk Expert Insight: From Admitted Attorney to Corporate Counsel

This role is significantly more advanced than a standard “entry-level” internship. It functions as a bridge into specialized Corporate Law and Policy.

• Beyond Articles: Because the requirement includes Admission as a Legal Practitioner, this role is essentially for those who have finished their articles (or pupillage) but are looking to pivot into Corporate Governance and Regulatory Compliance rather than private litigation.
• The Research Mandate: MKRI isn’t a traditional law firm; it is a research-intensive provincial body. Your legal work will involve drafting service level agreements (SLAs) for innovation projects and ensuring that research policies comply with South African Intellectual Property (IP) law.
• Competitive Stipend: At R13,000 to R16,000, this stipend is significantly higher than most junior legal internships, reflecting the high NQF Level (LLB is NQF 8) and the professional admission requirements.

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Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the 20 March deadline, you must meet these strict criteria:

• Academic: Completed LLB (NQF 8). (An LLM is an added advantage).
• Professional: Admitted as a Legal Practitioner of the High Court of South Africa.
• Training: Completed Practical Legal Training (PLT) or Pupillage.
• Documentation: Must have a 2026 Letter of Good Standing from the Legal Practice Council (LPC).
• Licensing: Valid South African driver’s licence.
• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with no criminal record or pending disciplinary issues.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work directly under the Manager: Legal and Corporate Affairs on:

• Contract Management: Drafting, vetting, and coordinating organizational contracts.
• Policy Review: Assisting with the drafting and review of internal and external institutional policies.
• Legal Secretariat: Providing support for board or management meetings and maintaining legal registers.
• Compliance: Ensuring the institution adheres to HR and Corporate Services regulations.

Required Application Documents

All copies must be certified within the last 6 months.

• ✅ Detailed CV.
• ✅ Certified copy of South African ID.
• ✅ Certified copy of Driver’s Licence.
• ✅ Certified copies of Academic Qualifications (LLB, LLM, Admission Certificate).
• ✅ LPC Letter of Good Standing (2026).

How to Apply (Closing 20 March 2026)

Applications must be submitted via email. The MKRI is very strict about reference numbers; ensure your subject line is perfectly formatted.

• Email Address: recruitment@moseskotane.com
• Subject Line: Must include the position name and the reference number: Experiential Learner: Legal & Corporate Affairs - EL/LEGAL-02/2026
• Deadline: 20 March 2026.
• Feedback Window: If you do not hear from the HR Administrator within 6 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Conclusion

The Experiential Learner opportunity at the Moses Kotane Research Institute offers valuable legal workplace experience for qualified professionals.

By participating in this programme, candidates will gain practical exposure to corporate legal administration while contributing to an organisation focused on research, innovation, and economic development.