Senior Court Interpreter

Closing date: 17 Aug 2026
Department: Office of the Chief Justice
Opportunity expired: Applications for this DPSA vacancy have closed on 17 Aug 2026. This page is kept live for reference and to help applicants find similar current opportunities.

Reference number: 2026/90/OCJ

Salary: R338 106 - R398 277 per annum (Level 07).

Centre: Labour Appeals Court: Durban

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.

Enquiries

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

Applications

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

Please note: this opportunity has expired, so the application details above are for reference only.

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