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

INTRODUCTION

Office of the Chief Justice is looking for a Principal Court Interpreter to join its team, with the post located in KwaZulu-Natal Division of The High Court: Pietermaritzburg.

The advertised package is R413 001 – R486 501 a year (Level 08). 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	Principal Court Interpreter
Department	Office of the Chief Justice
Reference number	2026/140/OCJ
Salary	R413 001 – R486 501 a year (Level 08). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Centre / location	KwaZulu-Natal Division of The High Court: Pietermaritzburg
Province	KwaZulu-Natal
Closing date	23 October 2026
Circular	PSV Circular 36 of 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

The department is filling the position of Principal Court Interpreter. Reference number: 2026/140/OCJ. Centre: KwaZulu-Natal Division of The High Court: Pietermaritzburg.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to handle the following:

Provide interpreting services in high profile matters, interpret in complex cases, interpret in criminal, civil, and Labour Court.
Interpret in Small claims Court, control and attend to personnel administrative aspects of Interpreters, provide and coaching to junior Interpreters, manage performance agreement contracts, draw a schedule for replacement of Court Interpreters, translate Legal documents and exhibits, study and analyse the source documents, conduct necessary research and consult, Check, edit and revise the translated documents, procure foreign language interpreters and casuals in line with PFMA and the relevant policy.
Report statistics to be generated and escalated to the cluster manager for consolidation, authorise payments of foreign and casual language interpreters, develop terminology, harvest of terminology and database development, provide terms and their respective meanings in the glossary register, supervise and develop staff and allocate duties and perform quality control on the work delivered by officials.

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 of which one (1) year should be at supervisory level.
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 language.
Skilled in communication, computer literacy, listening, interpersonal, customer service orientation, planning and organising, problem solving and confidentiality.
Along with the following attributes: Ability to work under pressure and art of interpreting.

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 2026/140/OCJ on your application.
Submit as instructed: Applications can be sent via email to 2026/140/OCJ@judiciary.org.za
Make sure your application reaches the department by 23 October 2026.

Enquiries: Technical Related Enquiries: Mr MN Zondi Tel No: (033) 345 8211 HR Related Enquiries: Ms SZ Mvuyana Tel No: (031) 493 1723

Important notes:

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

TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION

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.
Use the duties list as a guide for interview preparation and prepare one real work example for each major duty.
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.

Principal Court Interpreter at Office of the Chief Justice