PRINCIPAL COURT INTERPRETER

Job Overview

The Office of the Chief Justice seeks a Principal Court Interpreter for the Limpopo Division of the High Court in Thohoyandou. Responsibilities include providing interpreting services in criminal, civil, and high-profile court cases, supervising staff, translating legal documents, and managing administrative duties. Requirements include an NQF level 6 National Diploma in Legal Interpreting, at least two years of experience with one year at a supervisory level, and proficiency in English alongside Tshivenda, Xitsonga, or Sepedi. Applications must be submitted via email.

Requirements & Qualifications

• National Diploma in Legal Interpreting or equivalent qualification at NQF level six (6) with 360 credits as recognised by SAQA.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a Court Interpreter of which one (1) year should be at supervisory level.
• Language proficiency: English and either Tshivenda, Xitsonga, or Sepedi.
• Knowledge of Isi-Zulu/Setswana and a valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage.
• Knowledge of Batho Pele and the OCJ Principles, Court proceedings, Cultural diversity, Policies, Prescripts, and Legislation.
• Skilled in communication (oral and written), listening, computer literacy (Ms Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet), problem solving, interpersonal relations, planning and organising, people skills, intermediate typing and customer service orientation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Render interpreting services in high profile matters, complex cases, criminal, civil, Labour Court, small claims court, disciplinary hearings, Conciliation and Arbitration, confessions, pre-trial proceedings and consultations.
• Control, supervise and attend to personnel administrative aspects of interpreters, provide mentoring and coaching to junior/senior interpreters.
• Manage performance agreement contracts, draw schedules for replacement of Court Interpreters, control leave and submit Court hour registers.
• Quarterly submit probation reports, monitor subordinates on EHWP, translate legal documents and exhibits.
• Study and analyse source documents, conduct necessary research and consult, develop terminology, harvest terminology, and database development.
• Provide terms and their respective meanings in the glossary register, supervise and develop staff, allocate duties and perform quality control on work delivered.
• Manage staff leave, advise and lead supervisees, and manage performance, conduct and discipline of employees.
• Ensure employees are trained and developed to deliver work of the required standard efficiently and effectively.
• Develop, implement and monitor work systems and processes, address enquiries, and provide advice and guidance on asset allocation and control.

Enquiries & Contact