South Africa becomes the first country to robe court interpreters

South Africa is now the first country to officially robe court interpreters - a step taken to recognise the important role interpreters play in the justice system.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, this week launched the court interpreters robing programme at the Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Pretoria.

Kubayi said this launch is a historic milestone in the development of our justice system.

She described it as a pioneering effort that positions South Africa as a leader in global attempts to professionalise court interpreting.

“This is the first robing of court interpreters in the world, and it is happening here, in our country - a testament to our commitment to justice, dignity, and inclusion.”

Kubayi stressed that court interpreters are not merely linguistic facilitators. They are guardians of constitutional rights, ensuring that every person, regardless of language, background, or ability, has meaningful access to justice.

“Your services are an integral part of the functioning of our courts, without which justice would not be served,” she told the interpreters.

The minister remarked that more than 70 years ago, the Freedom Charter promised justice for all.

“Universal access to justice can only be attained when every citizen in our country can access justice and participate in a court process in the language of their choice. Properly utilised, language interpretation in our courts can transform our language diversity from being a barrier to an instrument for empowerment, social cohesion, and the creation of a more just society.” 

She stated that, as part of the justice system, court interpreting must also be practiced in a manner that demonstrates a shift from language interpretation under the apartheid system to language interpretation in a democracy that embraces human rights and diversity.

During apartheid, South African court interpreters faced inadequate training and poor working conditions. The state provided interpreters with only a short, superficial orientation known as “sphaza training”.

Appearing before a court of law may sometimes mean a difference between freedom and captivity, so everyone must be given every opportunity to get the justice they deserve, and in the language they understand, the minister explained.

She added that it is for this reason that court interpretation is given the attention that it deserves, and promised that her department will, through the Justice College, continue to provide foundational training for interpreters.

“Our decision to take this important step of robing you as interpreters is motivated by the recognition of the responsibility that you carry as language interpreters in our courts… As interpreters, you need to understand that you are at the coal face of our judiciary and the justice system in general.”

Kubayi called on all interpreters to take a stand, not only by wearing the robe with pride but by embracing the responsibilities it represents.

“The robe is not just a garment; it is a symbol of your role as a professional, an equal partner in the courtroom, and a defender of justice.” 

Kubayi, in stressing the importance of interpreting, said the department has ensured the availability of South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters at commissions of inquiry and other public interest platforms.

“This reflects our commitment to engaging the deaf community… We are prepared and determined to build a justice system that speaks to all South Africans, in all languages, including SASL,” the minister said.

zelda.venter@inl.co.za