SENIOR COURT INTERPRETER

Office of the Chief Justice

Reference number: 2026/131/OCJ
Salary: R338 106 – R398 277 per annum (Level 07). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement
Centre: Western Cape Division of The High Court: Cape Town
Province: Western Cape
Closing date: 28 September 2026
Circular: No 33 of 2026

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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. Minimum of two (02) years practical experience in Court Interpreting environment or Grade 12 with at least ten (10) years’ practical experience in Court Interpreting environment. Proficiency in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa. Proficiency in any other indigenous language i.e. Sotho, Tswana or Zulu, etc., a valid driver’s license and knowledge of any foreign language will serve as an added advantage. Knowledge and skills: Knowledge of relevant acts and regulations, culture, subject area, how to translate and be able to keep time frame. Skilled in computer literacy (MS Office), communication (written and verbal), time management, interpersonal relations, planning and organising, decision making, analytical thinking, 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 or other Department/Organisation for foreign language interpreters, interpret from source target language during court proceedings for pretrials, consultations, interpret non-verbal gestures, dramatization and confessions, engage with the judiciary to confer on the readiness and/or performance in court, render interpreting for probono desk, 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 2026/131/OCJ@judiciary.org.za

Enquiries

Technical: Mr SD Hlongwane Tel No: (021) 469 4032 HR related enquiries: Ms N Chwethiso Tel No: (021) 480 2411

Note

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

Taken from Public Service Vacancy Circular 33 of 2026, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 11 September 2026. Open the PDF to check this post against the original. Last checked 11 September 2026.

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