POST 01/43: SENIOR COURT INTERPRETER (X3 POSTS)

POST 01/43: SENIOR COURT INTERPRETER (X3 POSTS)

Salary: R325 101 – R382 959 per annum
(The successful candidates will be required to sign a performance agreement.)

CENTRES AND REFERENCE NUMBERS

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for three (3) Senior Court Interpreter positions at the following courts:

• Magistrate Johannesburg (Hillbrow) – Ref No: 2025/94/GP (X1 Post)

• Magistrate Johannesburg – Ref No: 2025/93/GP (X1 Post)

• Magistrate Heidelberg – Ref No: 2025/92/GP (X1 Post)

JOB OVERVIEW

The Senior Court Interpreter position is a critical role within the justice system, aimed at ensuring access to justice through accurate, impartial and professional language interpretation services. The successful candidates will be responsible for providing high-quality interpreting and translation services in criminal, civil, labour  and quasi-judicial proceedings. This role is essential in facilitating effective communication between judicial officers, legal practitioners, accused persons, witnesses and other court users who are not proficient in the language of record.

The incumbents will also be required to provide administrative and supervisory support within the interpreting environment. The position demands a high level of integrity, confidentiality, accuracy and professionalism, as well as the ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced court environment.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidates will be responsible for interpreting proceedings in Criminal Courts, Civil Courts, Labour Courts, and other quasi-judicial forums. This includes providing accurate and unbiased interpretation during court hearings, trials, bail applications and other legal processes. The incumbents will also interpret during consultations between legal practitioners and their clients to ensure full understanding of legal rights and procedures.

In addition to oral interpretation, the Senior Court Interpreters will be required to translate legal documents, exhibits and related material from one language to another, ensuring that the original meaning, tone and intent are preserved. Accurate translation is critical to maintaining the integrity of court records and proceedings.

The role further includes maintaining proper court records and administrative documentation. This involves recording cases in the criminal record book, drawing case records upon request by Magistrates or Prosecutors, and assisting with the capturing of information on the Integrated Case Management System (ICMS). The incumbents will ensure that all records are completed accurately and timeously in accordance with departmental procedures.

Senior Court Interpreters will also be responsible for making arrangements for foreign language interpreters, where required, in consultation with Prosecutors and court management. This includes coordinating availability, scheduling and ensuring that interpreting services are provided without disrupting court proceedings.

An important component of the role is providing administrative and line support functions within the interpreting section. The incumbents will assist with the supervision of Court Interpreters, provide guidance and support to junior staff, and contribute to the effective management of interpreting services within the court. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential to ensure smooth court operations.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be in possession of Grade 12 together with a National Diploma in Legal Interpreting at NQF Level 5, or any other relevant tertiary qualification in the field of languages at NQF Level 5, with a minimum of three (3) years’ practical experience in court interpreting. Alternatively, candidates with Grade 12 and at least ten (10) years’ practical experience in court interpreting will also be considered.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and at least two (2) or more indigenous South African languages. A valid driver’s licence is required.

The specific language requirements per centre are as follows:

• Magistrate Johannesburg (Hillbrow): English, isiZulu, Setswana or Sesotho

• Magistrate Johannesburg: English, Tshivenda, Xitsonga and/or Sepedi

• Magistrate Heidelberg: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu and Southern Sotho

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

The successful candidates must have strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal terminology accurately across languages. Computer literacy, particularly in MS Word and Excel, is required. Good administrative and organizational skills, sound interpersonal relations, and the ability to work under pressure in a demanding court environment are essential.

Additional competencies include effective time management, problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, accuracy and a high level of attention to detail. Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct at all times.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications quoting the relevant reference number must be submitted to:

• Postal Address:
  The Provincial Office
  Private Bag X6
  Johannesburg, 2000

• Physical Address:
  Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
  7th Floor, Schreiner Chambers
  94 Pritchard Street
  Johannesburg

• Online Application:
  https://forms.office.com/r/X2XaVPasWu

ENQUIRIES

Ms P. Raadt
Tel: (011) 332 9000

NOTE

A separate application must be submitted for each post, clearly quoting the relevant reference number.