Legal · Circular 36 of 2026

Principal Court Interpreter

Office of the Chief Justice

Overview

Principal Court Interpreter needed at the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou, requiring a National Diploma in Legal Interpreting and two years' experience.

Requirements

  • Applicants should be in possession of a 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, Sepedi.
  • Knowledge of Isi- Zulu/Setswana and a valid driver’s license will serve as an added advantage.
  • Knowledge and skills: 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.

Duties

  • 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.

How to apply

Applications can be sent via email to 2026/139/OCJ@judiciary.org.za

Enquiries: Technical Related Enquiries: Mr. M.P Netshilulu Tel No: (015) 495 1741 HR Related Enquiries: Ms. E.M Ramaphakela Tel No: (015) 495 1744

Notes

The Organisation will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals. The Organisation will give preference to candidates in line with the Employment Equity goals.

Post 36/61, sourced from the DPSA Circular 36 of 2026. Apply directly to Office of the Chief Justice by 23 October 2026, quoting reference 2026/139/OCJ. This is an unofficial index; the advert in the circular is authoritative.

Location
Thohoyandou
Salary
R413 001 – R486 501 p/a · Level 8
Closing date
23 October 2026
Reference
2026/139/OCJ
How to apply →

Apply directly to the department, by the closing date, quoting the reference.