SENIOR COURT INTERPRETER

Office of the Chief Justice

Reference number: 2026/90/OCJ
Salary: R338 106 - R398 277 per annum (Level 07). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Centre: Labour Appeals Court: Durban
Province: KwaZulu-Natal
Closing date: 17 August 2026
Circular: No 27 of 2026

Apply with a Z83

Every government post needs the official Z83 form. We will fill in the post, the department and the reference number for you so you cannot get them wrong.

Fill the Z83 for this post

Requirements

Applicants should be in possession of a National Diploma in Interpreting or equivalent qualification in the field of languages at NQF level 6 with 360 credits as recognised by SAQA. A minimum of one (01) year practical experience in Interpreting environment or a Grade 12 certificate with at least ten (10) years’ practical experience in Interpreting environment. Proficiency in English and Isizulu, proficiency in any other indigenous language, i.e. Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana or Zulu and a valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage. All shortlisted candidates shall undertake a pre-entry practical exercise as part of the assessment method to determine the candidate's suitability based on the post's technical and generic requirements. Knowledge and skills: Knowledge of relevant Acts and Regulations, knowledge of culture, knowledge of subject area, know how to translate and be able to keep time frame. Skilled in computer literacy (MS Office), effective communication (written and verbal), time Management, good interpersonal relations, planning and organising, decision-making, analytical thinking, excellent English language, problem solving, along with the following attributes: Flexible, self-driven and motivated, ability to work under pressure, accuracy and attention to detail.

Duties

Render interpreting services. Interpret in Criminal proceedings, Civil proceedings, Older Persons Act matters, Family Protection from Harassment Act matters, Labour Court matters, Maintenance Act matters, Child Justice matters, Inquests and Equality Court matters, Interpret in pre-trial proceedings and consultations. Liaise with Supervisor for foreign language interpreters, interpret from source target language during Court proceedings for pre-trials consultations, interpret non-verbal gestures, dramatisation and confessions. Engage with the Judiciary to confer on the readiness and/or performance in Court. Render audible and clear interpreting from source to target language without embellishment or omissions while preserving the language. Convey the correct language in accordance with the language usage of the speaker. Control the speaker and ensure that the citations are interpreted correctly. Translate legal documents and exhibits. Study and analyse the source documents. Conduct the necessary research and consult with the relevant parties. Ensure accurate cite translation of documents. Check, edit and revise the translated documents. Translate mechanically recorded audio material. Develop terminology and provide support in the reconstruction of records. Accumulate terminology and develop a database. Populate the terms and respective meaning in the glossary register. Gather all trial documents necessary to aid interpretation. Coin words and perform specific line and administrative support functions to the Judiciary, Court Manager and Supervisor.

Where to send your application

Applications can be sent via email to 2026/90/OCJ@judiciary.org.za

Enquiries

Technical Related Enquiries: Mr S Cele Tel No: (031) 492 6207 HR Related Enquiries: Ms SZ Mvuyana Tel No: (031) 493 1723

Note

The Organisation will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals.

Taken from Public Service Vacancy Circular 27 of 2026, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 31 July 2026. Open the PDF to check this post against the original. Last checked 31 July 2026.

This post is free to apply for. Nobody may charge you an application, registration or "background check" fee for a government job, and there is no register to join. If someone is asking for money, check them here first.