New era in SA courts: Kubayi’s robing programme gives interpreters the respect they’ve long deserved

Interpreters

Cape Town – Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has officially launched the Court Interpreters’ Robing Programme in Pretoria, marking a significant step in recognising the vital role interpreters play in the country’s justice system.

The event, held at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre on 28 October 2025, brought together government officials, court interpreters, and members of the judiciary.

According to the Department of Justice, the initiative aims to professionalise the work of court interpreters, giving them the recognition and respect they deserve as officers of the court.

Minister Kubayi said interpreters are the heartbeat of communication in the justice system, ensuring that language is never a barrier to fair and equal access to justice.

“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,” she said.

She described the robing programme as a historic milestone that places interpreters on an equal footing with other officers of the court such as magistrates, prosecutors, and legal representatives. Kubayi emphasised that interpreters serve as the link between the courts and communities, giving effect to the constitutional right of every individual to understand and participate in court proceedings conducted in their language of choice.

The minister also reflected on the progress made since the end of apartheid, highlighting how the transformation of the justice system has focused on inclusivity and fairness. “We have moved from a past where many South Africans were silenced in the courts because of language barriers. Today, we are restoring dignity, professionalism, and pride in this essential role,” she said.

She said that the introduction of the robes is more than a symbolic gesture, adding that it forms part of a broader plan to strengthen and professionalise the field through continuous training, ethical development, and quality assurance.

Kubayi stressed that interpreters are “custodians of the Constitution” who ensure justice is understood and accessible to all.

The minister also called for interpreters to uphold the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality, reminding them that they are trusted with sensitive information and the responsibility to interpret accurately and impartially. “You must be reminded that you are the voice of those who cannot speak the language of the law,” she said.

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