Principal Court Interpreter

In brief

Overview This role is for a Principal Court Interpreter within the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), specifically located at the Limpopo Division of The High Court in Thohoyandou. The position offers a salary between R413,001 and R486,501 per annum (Level 08). The successful candidate will be expected to sign a performance agreement and will be responsible for providing interpreting services in various court settings, including complex and high-profile matters, as well as supervising and managing a team of court interpreters. What you will do * Render interpreting services in high profile matters * Interpret in complex cases * Interpret in criminal, civil, and Labour Court * Interpret in small claims court * Interpret in disciplinary hearing * Interpret in Conciliation and Arbitration * Interpret in confession * Interpret 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 a schedule for replacement of Court Interpreters * Control leave of Court interpreters and submit Court hour registers * Quarterly submit probation reports * Monitor subordinates on EHWP * Translate Legal documents and exhibits * Study and analyse the source documents * Conduct necessary research and consult * Develop terminology * Harvest of terminology * Database development * Provide terms and their respective meanings in the glossary register * Supervise and develop staff * Ensure general supervision of employees * Allocate duties and perform quality control on the work delivered by officials * Manage leave of staff * Advise and lead supervisees with regards to all aspects of the work * Manage performance, conduct and discipline of employees * Ensure that all employees are trained and developed to be able to deliver work of the required standard efficiently and effectively * Develop, implement and monitor work systems and processes to ensure efficient and effective functioning * Address enquiries and provide advice and guidance on asset allocation and control Requirements (from the original advert) * National Diploma in Legal Interpreting or equivalent qualification at NQF level six (6) with 360 credits as recognised by SAQA. * 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, Sepedi. * Knowledge of Isi-Zulu/Setswana will serve as an added advantage. * A valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage. * Knowledge of Batho Pele and the OCJ Principles, Court proceedings, Cultural diversity, Knowledge of Policies, Prescripts, and Legislation and Full command of the languages. * Skilled in communication (oral and written), listening, computer literacy (Ms Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet, etc.), problem solving, interpersonal relations, planning and organising, people skills, intermediate typing and customer service orientation. Who should apply Candidates suitable for this role will possess a National Diploma in Legal Interpreting (NQF level 6 with 360 credits) or an equivalent SAQA-recognized qualification. They must have a minimum of two years' experience as a Court Interpreter, including at least one year spent in a supervisory capacity. Essential language proficiency includes English and one of Tshivenda, Xitsonga, or Sepedi, with an added advantage for knowledge of Isi-Zulu/Setswana and a valid driver’s license. Applicants need to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Batho Pele principles, OCJ principles, court proceedings, cultural diversity, and relevant policies, prescripts, and legislation, coupled with full command of the required languages. Key skills sought include strong oral and written communication, active listening, computer literacy (Ms Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet), problem-solving, interpersonal relations, planning and organizing, people skills, intermediate typing, and customer service orientation. The ideal candidate will be capable of rendering interpretation in complex legal scenarios and effectively managing, mentoring, and developing a team of interpreters. Deadline Not specified Reference Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/office-of-the-chief-justice-0cj-vacancies-circular-36-of-2026#spani-ref-2026-139-ocj Source: govpage

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At a glance

• Customer service
• isiZulu

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