SA becomes 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 they 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.