Translator Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Transfers a source text from one language into another, usually within an extended time frame to allow for corrections and modifications and without the presence of the participants who require the translation.
What does a Translator do?
A Translator conveys the meaning, tone and intent of written material from one language into another. The work involves carefully understanding the source text, producing clear and accurate wording in the target language, and revising the result so that it reads naturally. Related work may include subtitling or reviewing and correcting another translator’s work.
Specialisations
How to become a Translator in South Africa
- Develop strong reading, writing and comprehension skills in the languages you intend to work with.
- Build practical translation ability by working with different types of written content and comparing your work with reliable reference texts.
- Practise editing, proofreading and checking terminology, meaning, tone and consistency.
- Consider relevant language or translation education and training options, then confirm current details with SAQA, recognised providers or potential employers.
- Create a portfolio of suitable translation work, including revised examples or subtitling samples if those areas interest you.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
There is no single universal qualification pathway indicated for this occupation, so education and training routes may vary. Strong command of the relevant languages, careful written expression and practical evidence of accurate translation are important preparation. Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment options with SAQA, a recognised provider or an employer.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Additional language subjects
- History
- Computer Applications Technology
Skills that may help
- Strong written communication
- Fluency or high proficiency in the relevant languages
- Reading comprehension
- Editing and proofreading
- Attention to detail
- Terminology and reference research
- Cultural awareness
- Time management