Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC)
Championing Economic Growth, Fair Competition & Transformation in South Africa
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) is at the forefront of driving South Africa’s inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, and fair competition. We promote a vibrant and dynamic marketplace where businesses can thrive, innovation can flourish, and dominance is checked in the public interest.
If you are a visionary leader with deep knowledge of competition law, mergers and acquisitions, and market regulation, the DTIC invites you to apply for the prestigious role of Chief Director: Market Enquiries, Merger/Acquisitions and Abuse of Dominance (Ref No: T&CB-023).
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of South Africa’s most strategic units responsible for economic deconcentration, transformation, and fair market practices.
Position: Chief Director – Market Enquiries, Mergers/Acquisitions & Abuse of Dominance
Location: Sunnyside, Pretoria
Salary: R1 494 900 per annum (Level 14) – All-inclusive remuneration package
Closing Date: 17 November 2025
Reference Number: T&CB-023
Salary: R1 494 900 per annum (Level 14) – All-inclusive remuneration package
Closing Date: 17 November 2025
Reference Number: T&CB-023
Purpose of the Role
The Chief Director: Market Enquiries will provide strategic leadership, policy direction, and overall management of the DTIC’s mandate concerning merger negotiations, acquisitions, market inquiries, and abuse of dominance interventions under the Competition Act, 1998.
This position supports South Africa’s broader goals of economic deconcentration, competition enforcement, and inclusive transformation. The successful candidate will ensure that market power is balanced, consumer welfare is protected, and economic participation is broadened across industries.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
To excel as the Chief Director: Market Enquiries, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Economics, Commerce, Public Policy, Competition Law, or a related field — as recognised by SAQA.
Professional Experience
- At least 5 years’ senior managerial experience in an economic policy or competition environment, preferably within both public and private sectors.
- Demonstrated experience in merger negotiations, acquisitions, public interest commitments, and competition law enforcement.
Key Competencies and Skills
As the Chief Director for Market Enquiries, you’ll need to bring a combination of strategic insight, analytical ability, and leadership strength:
Technical and Regulatory Expertise
- In-depth understanding of the Competition Act, 1998, competition enforcement, and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience managing market inquiries and addressing anti-competitive conduct.
- Knowledge of policy formulation, economic analysis, and public interest regulation.
Leadership and Management Skills
- Strong strategic planning, programme, and project management capabilities.
- Proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and people development.
- Ability to manage complex stakeholder environments, including regulators, government entities, and multinational corporations.
Personal Attributes
- Exceptional negotiation and analytical skills.
- Strong presentation, report writing, and communication abilities.
- Commitment to ethical leadership, diversity, and public service values.
Key Responsibilities
As the Chief Director: Market Enquiries, Mergers/Acquisitions, and Abuse of Dominance, you will play a strategic role in shaping South Africa’s competitive landscape.
1. Strategic Leadership
- Oversee the development and implementation of national strategies on mergers, market inquiries, and dominance issues.
- Interpret and implement amendments to the Competition Act to align with evolving economic priorities.
- Provide policy direction supporting South Africa’s industrialisation and transformation goals.
2. Market Enquiries Oversight
- Lead market inquiry processes from initiation to conclusion.
- Oversee stakeholder engagement and ensure effective implementation of inquiry recommendations.
- Collaborate with the Competition Commission on proactive market interventions.
3. Mergers and Public Interest Commitments
- Provide technical expertise during merger negotiations and acquisition reviews.
- Ensure all merger conditions support South Africa’s investment, transformation, and employment objectives.
- Oversee Merger Framework Agreements and Ministerial conditions in line with policy priorities.
4. Abuse of Dominance and Market Conduct
- Identify and assess potential cases of abuse of market power by dominant firms.
- Develop and implement remedial measures for anti-competitive behaviour.
- Promote policies that prevent unfair market concentration and enhance competition.
5. Stakeholder and Inter-Governmental Relations
- Strengthen partnerships with regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and regional bodies (e.g., AfCFTA).
- Represent the DTIC in policy, technical, and international forums.
- Facilitate collaboration with government departments to ensure alignment on competition and economic policy.
6. Chief Directorate Management
- Lead the strategic, human resource, and financial management of the Chief Directorate.
- Ensure operational plans and budgets align with departmental priorities.
- Oversee performance reporting and support executive and parliamentary oversight.
Employment Equity and Inclusion
The DTIC is a diverse, equal opportunity employer committed to representation and transformation. In filling this position, preference will be given to candidates whose appointment supports the Employment Equity Act (1998) and the department’s EE targets.
Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applicants may submit their applications through one of the following methods:
By Email: Send to applications@thedtic.gov.za
Ensure the reference number (T&CB-023) appears in the email subject line.
Ensure the reference number (T&CB-023) appears in the email subject line.
By Post:
The Director: Human Resources Management
Private Bag X84
Pretoria, 0001
The Director: Human Resources Management
Private Bag X84
Pretoria, 0001
Hand Delivery:
the DTIC Campus,
Corner of Meintjies and Robert Sobukwe Streets,
Sunnyside, Pretoria
the DTIC Campus,
Corner of Meintjies and Robert Sobukwe Streets,
Sunnyside, Pretoria
Closing Date: 17 November 2025
Applications without the reference number or those submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 months of the closing date. Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 months of the closing date. Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)