Translators – Sworn

Sworn translators usually work in a courtroom or other government institute that requires translation.
 
These types of translators must swear in a high court that they will faithfully translate a document or statement to the best of their knowledge. In order to recognise the translation in a court of law, the sworn translator must stamp and sign every page of the translation. The translator must also produce a statement clarifying that the translation of a document ‘is a true translation of the original. This is especially necessary for evidentiary purposes in a court of law. In this way the court or other legal entities can recognise the translation given as a legal equivalent of the original document.
 
Sworn translators usually translate a number of legal documents like birth and death certificates, marriage certificates, and other such documentation. They also carry a heavy burden to translate correctly. This is because mistakes may have a life changing impact on a defendant or witness. One does not have to be a sworn translator to work as a translator in South Africa. This is because certified translators usually perform official translations in certain circumstances only. While other kinds of translators can translate a document, it is only certified as properly translated when a sworn translator has checked, verified, and signed off on the translation.
 
The South African law does not require a person to be a citizen to qualify as a sworn translator.
 
For more information about sworn translators, visit the Yellowpages website.