Senior Court Interpreter vacancy at Office of the Chief Justice - PSV Circular 36 of 2026

INTRODUCTION

Looking for a stable career in the Public Service? Office of the Chief Justice is recruiting a Senior Court Interpreter in Eastern Cape Division of The High Court: Mthatha.

The advertised package is R338 106 - R398 277 a year (Level 07). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement. This post was published in Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026, issued on 09 October 2026.

Job title	Senior Court Interpreter
Department	Office of the Chief Justice
Reference number	2026/141/OCJ
Salary	R338 106 - R398 277 a year (Level 07). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Centre / location	Eastern Cape Division of The High Court: Mthatha
Province	Eastern Cape
Closing date	23 October 2026
Circular	PSV Circular 36 of 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

This vacancy forms part of Office of the Chief Justice. It carries the reference number 2026/141/OCJ, and the successful candidate will work from Eastern Cape Division of The High Court: Mthatha.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Here is what the job involves day to day:

Provide interpreting services: Interpret in Children's Act matters, criminal proceedings, Civil proceedings, Domestic Violence Act matters, Older Persons Act matters, Family, Protection from Harassment Act matters, Labour, Maintenance Act matters, Child Justice matters, Inquests, and quasi-judicial matters, interpret in small claims Courts, interpret in disciplinary hearing, interpret in Conciliation and Arbitration, interpret in confession.
Interpret in pre- trial proceedings and consultations, liaise with the supervisor for foreign language interpreters, interpret from source to target language during Court proceedings, pre-trial, consultation, quasi, judicial. interpret non-verbal gestures, dramatization and confessions, engage with the judiciary to confer on the readiness and/or performance of a particular interpreter in Court, render legal and quasi-judicial and language service: Provide audible and clear interpreting from source to target language without embellishment or omissions while preserving the language, convey the correct language in accordance with language usage of the speaker, control the speaker and ensure that the citations are interpreted correctly, interpret non-verbal gestures dramatization and confessions, translate legal documents and exhibits: Study and analyse the source document, conduct the necessary research and consult with the relevant parties, ensure accurate cite translation documents, check, edit and revise the translated document, translate mechanically recorded audio material.
Develop terminology and provide support in the reconstruction of records: Accumulate terminology and develop database, populate the terms and respective meaning in the glossary register, gather all trial documents, attend to mechanical recordings, compare notes of the Presiding Officer, State and Defence.

REQUIREMENTS

To be considered, you should meet these requirements:

Applicants should be holding a National Diploma in Legal Interpreting or equivalent qualification at NQF level six (6) with 360 credits as recognised by SAQA.
At least two (2) years' practical experience in Court Interpreting or Grade twelve (12) certificate with at least ten (10) years' practical experience in Court Interpreting.
Proficiency in English, isiXhosa Afrikaans, isiZulu or Sesotho.
A valid driver's license will serve as 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, knowledge on how to translate and be able to keep to time frame, computer literacy (MS Office), effective communication skills (written and verbal), time management, good interpersonal relations skills, listening skills, customer service skills, problem solving skills, planning and organising skills, decision- making skills. analytical thinking, excellent English language, flexible, motivational, able to work under pressure, meticulous, self-driven and people centric.

HOW TO APPLY

Download the NEW Z83 form from the DPSA website and complete it in full.
Prepare a detailed CV with your qualifications, experience and contact details.
Write the reference number 2026/141/OCJ on your application.
Submit as instructed: Applications can be sent via email to 2026/141/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Make sure your application reaches the department by 23 October 2026.

Enquiries: Technical Related Enquiries: Mr. M Mhlontlo Tel No: (047) 504 5500 HR Related Enquiries: Ms. Z Sulo at (087) 086 6929

Important notes:

Read the full advert in the circular for the department's specific submission rules.

TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION

Use the NEW Z83 form (effective 01 January 2021), sign and date it, and make sure every section is completed.
Prepare certified copies of your ID, qualifications and proof of experience. Shortlisted candidates are usually asked for them.
If you hold a foreign qualification, get a SAQA evaluation certificate ready before the interview stage.
Keep your documents in one PDF where the department allows it, and check the file size limit before sending.
If this is your first government application, read the DPSA guide on completing Z83 so you do not lose points on a simple form error.

RELATED JOBS TO APPLY

Source: DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 36 of 2026. Always confirm details with the advertising department. OneCareer is not the employer and never charges for applying to a government post.

Office of the Chief Justice Vacancy: Senior Court Interpreter - Eastern Cape Division of The High Court: Mthatha | Circular 36 of 2026