Court interpreters to register as language practitioners: Kubayi

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says court interpreters will soon be required to register as professional language practitioners as this required by the South African Language Practitioners’ Council Act.

The Act came into effect in August.

She was speaking at the official launch of the court interpreters robing programme at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Center in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Kubayi says this will enhance the recognition of court interpreters as professional language practitioners, and not as mere interpreters.

She says, “The Act establishes the South African Language Practitioners’ Council will regulate the language practice profession, which means you will have to register, accredit and register practitioners. So, it’s a professional body that will develop and enforce ethical codes of conduct, promote inclusivity and access to the profession, especially for indigenous languages.”

Kubayi further urged court interpreters to make use of the department’s bursary scheme to learn more languages as government is paying a lot of money to hire foreign language interpreters in some cases.

Deputy Chief Justice Dunston Mlambo has urged court interpreters to treat their work as a sophisticated craft and uphold the highest professional and ethical standards.

He said the role of interpreters is crucial in simplifying the language and interaction between court officials, the complainants and the accused during court proceedings.

Mlambo says, “Language right cannot be realised without skilled and impartial court interpreters. Interpreters serve as the vital link between the court and those who appear before it. Without their expertise, the right to participate in proceedings in one’s own language remains only a promise on paper. Which cannot be fully recognised or protected. The infallible role or lack of interpreters lead to courts set aside matters and start them afresh where there’s ears of interpretation. Which underscores the role of interpreter’s ability.”