This vacancy has closed. It closed on 28 August 2026 and is kept here for reference only.

SENIOR COURT INTERPRETER

Office of the Chief Justice

Reference number: 2026/100/OCJ
Salary: R338 106 - R398 277 per annum (Level 07). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Centre: Eastern Cape Division of The High Court: Gqeberha
Province: Eastern Cape
Closing date: 28 August 2026
Circular: No 29 of 2026

Requirements

Applicants should be in possession of a National Diploma in Legal Interpreting or equivalent qualification at NQF level 6 with 360 credits as recognised by SAQA. A minimum of two (2) years’ practical experience in court Interpreting or Grade twelve (12) certificate with at least ten (10) years’ practical experience in court Interpreting. Proficiency in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. Proficiency in any other indigenous languages and a valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage. Knowledge and skills: Knowledge of relevant acts and regulations, knowledge of culture, knowledge of subject area, knowledge on how to translate and be able to keep to time frame. Skilled in computer literacy (MS Office), communication (written and verbal), time management, interpersonal relations, listening, customer service, problem solving, planning, organising, decision-making, analytical thinking, excellent English language along with the following attributes: flexible, motivational, able to work under pressure, meticulous, self-driven and people centric.

Duties

Render interpreting services: Interpret in Children’s Act matters, criminal proceedings, Civil proceedings, Domestic Violence Act matters, Older Persons Act matters, Family, Protection from Harassment Act matters, Labour, Maintenance Act matters, Child Justice matters, Inquests, and quasi-judicial matters. Interpret in small claims courts, interpret in disciplinary hearing, interpret in Conciliation and Arbitration, interpret in confession, interpret in pre-trial proceedings and consultations, liaise with the supervisor for foreign language interpreters, interpret from source to target language during court proceedings, pre-trial, consultation, quasi, judicial. interpret non-verbal gestures, dramatization and confessions, engage with the judiciary to confer on the readiness and/or performance of a particular interpreter in court. Render legal and quasi-judicial and language service: 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 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 document, conduct the necessary research and consult with the relevant parties, ensure accurate cite translation documents, check, edit and revise the translated document, translate mechanically recorded audio material. Develop terminology and provide support in the reconstruction of records: Accumulate terminology and develop database, populate the terms and respective meaning in the glossary register, gather all trial documents, attend to mechanical recordings, compare notes of the Presiding Officer, State and Defence.

Where to send your application

Applications can be sent via email to 2026/100/OCJ@judiciary.org.za

Enquiries

Technical Related Enquiries: Ms. P Boya-Nyhiba Tel No: (041) 502 6626 HR Related Enquiries: Ms. Z Sulo at (087) 086 6929

Note

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

Taken from Public Service Vacancy Circular 29 of 2026, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 14 August 2026. Open the PDF to check this post against the original. Last checked 10 September 2026.

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