DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMME FOR COURT INTERPRETERS

27 October 1999

In the past, court interpreters were largely marginalised by a justice system which denied them access to a formal education. There has however been a significant shift in an attempt to redress the imbalances of the Apartheid era -

• A diploma in Legal Interpreting has been developed - presently being presented at various Universities / Technikons throughout South Africa
• A core curriculum has been designed

In view of the large number of potential candidates fro the diploma - it was decided that a number of Universities and Technikons should establish the course on a regional basis. A curriculum committee has been constituted as a moderation board for the pur poses of co-ordination and standardisation.

The Minister of Justice, Dr P Maduna, is keen to assist in the development of court interpreters and to establish effective and efficient court interpreting services at all courts. He has approved a 3 year plan - which impacts at the following levels:

• Improved training methodology and curriculum development
• decentralised, standardised and upgraded training
• Complementary seminars and workshops conducted by Justice College
• The appointment of senior interpreters as trainers
• Functional training
• Professional training and support services to interpreters at tertiary institutions

The 3 year plan is underpinned by the principle that court interpreters play an integral role in access to the justice system in South Africa and are deserving of a professional identity of their own. The programme will be assessed and evaluated at the end of the year 2002.

ISSUED BY: SIMON NGOMANE
CHIEF DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Pretoria
TEL: (012) 315 1731
FAX: (012) 323 3595 / 321 8291
e-mail: sngomane@justice.gov.za