Milestone as 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.

- ZELDA VENTER

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

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.