How to Become A Sworn Translator In South Africa

A sworn translation is a document that has been signed and sealed by an authorized (sworn) translator. Sworn translators are linguists who have been appointed by the legal authorities to provide official translations. A sworn translation has the same value as any other official documents in the eyes of the law.

Why are sworn translation necessary?

A sworn translator officially guarantees the accuracy of the translated documents by signing and stamping the documents, and assigning a unique registration number. They also provide their credentials and contact details. When submitting legal documents, a sworn translation is often obligatory.

Can I notarize my own translation?

Yes, a notary public may serve as a translator; however, a notary may not notarize his or her own translation. If a notary serves as a translator, he or she cannot serve as a notary public at the same time on the same document.

Why would you notarize a document?

Documents are notarized to deter fraud and to ensure proper execution. It is the responsibility of the notary public to ensure that the signers have appeared before them and have produced proper identification. The Notary Public officiates at the signing and insures that the documents are signed correctly.

How to Become A Sworn Translator In South Africa

If you have a talent for understanding and speaking languages while being fluent in one or more foreign tongues, then you may have a great future by becoming a sworn translator in South Africa.

As each year, the world becomes globalized, businesses and individuals from all over the world are migrating in or trading with South Africa and need to communicate.

Basics for becoming a sworn translator in South Africa

1- Fluency in two languages & solid language skills

In order to become a language translator, you must be fluent in two languages. Suppose you are planning to become a Portuguese sworn translator, you should be well-versed in Portuguese language and a second language like English.

It is recommended to always translate into your native language, it means that, for example, a translator with a Portuguese native tongue must ONLY translate INTO Portuguese. There is no specific training program or degree for sworn translators in South Africa.

2- Professional experience

You’ll improve your chances to become a sworn translator in South Africa by gaining experience as a professional translator. Due to the detailed nature of this work, particular soft skills, or personal characteristics, will also allow you to succeed in this occupation.

It’s especially important to have the following qualities, professionalism, and integrity, obviously, as well as rigor, cultural sensitivity, an eye for details, and respect for institutions.

You’ll build up your experience by free-lancing with translation companies or volunteering for hospitals or communities. Having credentials means that you have the documentation that proves you have the experience and skills required to translate or interpret professionally, and will greatly help your application.

3- Court application for becoming a sworn translator in South Africa

In South Africa, only the Courts have the authority to accredit and swear in translators. Professional translators need to apply at the high court of their city. The application will be carefully examined and the person may also be interviewed by the high court.

Once the application is successful, you will then be asked to take an oath by the high court, following which you can practice as a sworn translator and be authorized to affix a seal, signature, and unique case number on translated documents.

This means that the translator takes full responsibility for the accuracy of the document. This endorsement grants the document an official, formal status and a legal value that is equivalent to the original documentApplication for certification must include the following:

Curriculum vitae or other proof of work experience

Sponsors’ letters (letters from another sworn translator confirming your experience and skill level)

Official transcripts (if applicable)

Application form

Other documents (depending on individual circumstances)

Mission of a sworn translator 

After you become a sworn translator in South Africa, you’ll have a diverse, influential and important role. While many assume – and assume correctly – that translators assist the justice system (Police, Court) for criminal proceedings, they actually assist in numerous other situations and primary industries.

A sworn translator can assist with the following:

Business and financial translations

Helping with legal document translation

Healthcare and medical purposes

Technical translations

Sworn translation has become very important due to international trade, the creation of political-economic  and tourism.

Your Translation partner in South Africa

French side is a Pretoria-based translation agency with a track record of high-quality translation. For over 10 years, our translation services have helped our clients in South Africa build deeper relationships with their customers around the world.

We work in French, Portuguese, Spanish, and German languages. We are committed to providing quality translations, exceptional service, on-time delivery, and complete customer satisfaction, so you will always receive professional results at competitive rates.

For further information about document translation Services please phone us at +27 (0) 12-348- 3134 or e-mail us at info@frenchside.co.za and we’ll be more than happy to talk with you or to answer any questions you may have

CHARACTERISTICS OF SWORN TRANSLATIONS – SOUTH AFRICA

In South Africa, sworn translations commonly known as certified translation are legally valid translations that are done by a translator who has been sworn in before a court of law. The term Sworn translation is little-known but necessary and mandatory for any documents that have some legal significance and which need to be submitted to a foreign government body, or an employer for a variety of reasons.

Documents that have ‘some legal significance’ could be anything from personal documents like professional qualifications, birth and marriage certificates to business or corporate documents and court documents.

Sworn translation features

Performing sworn translations in South Africa requires impeccable technical expertise combined with in-depth knowledge of the legal system in which the text will be used.

Translation professionals who provide sworn, notarized, or certified translation services offer their clients a guarantee of quality and legal value. The features and mandatory elements of the sworn translation in South Africa are:

The formatting and layout in the sworn translations in South Africa always be as similar as possible to the formatting and layout in the source document

Images such as coats of arms, photos, letterheads, emblems, stamps, seals, logos, etc must not be reproduced. Instead of this, they must be referred to in the target language in square brackets e.g. describe a logo as [Logo] if the target language is English. Directly beside or below this, in the target language, provide a detailed description of the text within and surrounding the image in question.

Handwritten sections in source documents should be noted as handwritten in the sworn translations in South Africa. If handwritten sections are illegible, they should be noted as illegible handwriting in the target language; e.g., [illegible handwriting] if the target language is English.

Always make sure the appropriate Bates code (AKA Bates numbering, Bates stamping, Bates branding or Bates labeling) appears on each page in the legal document translation in the place where it is located in the source file. This applies to other numerals and marginal notes as well.

Names of institutions/schools shouldn’t be translated in sworn translations in South Africa unless there is an officially translated name of the institution/schools in the target language.

No comments should be made for the owner/ recipient in the actual sworn translations in South Africa. Translation of the document must be as precise as possible and if necessary for clarification purposes, comments should be placed at the very end of the translation, after the words “Translator’s Note” as footnotes that refer to specific areas of the translation or endnotes if the comments generally refer to the entire original file.

 A translator should never be pressured by a client to add or subtract from the original meaning of the source text in the sworn translation in South Africa. While it is acceptable to be flexible to accommodate some changes, your legal document translation needs to accurately reflect the original document.

Lastly, it must include a statement to the effect that this is a “certified and true copy of the original”, along with the sworn translator’s seal and signature. The translator must clearly state his or her full name, the designation “sworn translator” (or certified, etc.), and the languages for which his or her translation is sworn.

Differences between regular translation and sworn translation.

The regular translation has the same requirements as the sworn translation in terms of the quality of the translation and its characteristics. The difference is that the translation is not required to be signed and sealed by a professional translator or registered sworn translator, in the case of those countries like Spain, France or Germany, where this is necessary.

When we talk about standard legal translations, we are talking about legal documents that are not going to be processed by an official public body or documents intended for private use only.

We take care of your documents

At SpeakPortuguese we specialize in Legal sworn translations, we take care of your most valuable and important documents at your time of greatest need. There are no two clients with the same ultimate goal; each case has different needs, motivations, and levels of urgency.

Contact us if you have any questions about sworn translations and would like more information or an obligation-free quote.

How long does it take to become a certified translator In South Africa?

Entry requirements may vary between providers and the course will take approximately 1 year to complete. Alternatively you may consider a Bachelor degree in Interpreting and Translation, which will take 3 years of full time study and usually requires completion of Year 12 for entry.

How do you do a sworn translation In South Africa?

THE FORMAT OF A SWORN TRANSLATION

Signature: Mr / Mrs (name and surname), Sworn Interpreter of (language), certifies that the present document is a faithful and complete translation into (destination language) of a document originally written in (language of the original). In (location), on (date)

What education do you need to become a translator In South Africa?

Some interpreters and translators attain a bachelors degree in a specific language or American Sign Language. Although interpreters and translators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, the most important requirement is that they be fluent in at least two languages (English and at least one other language).

Can I become a translator without a degree In South Africa?

The short answer is no. You do not need a college degree to become a translator! Be it in translation, linguistics, or a relevant specialization, a degree will give you an advantage with employers. But it’s not the only thing that matters.

Do I need a degree to be a translator In South Africa?

The plain answer is no, you do not need a degree to become a translator. Since nowadays agencies make up a substantial share of the translation market, the majority of linguists end up working for them one way or another. Holding a degree is likely to give you an advantage here.

How long do sworn translations take In South Africa?

The time required will depend on the size of the document you need translated, as well as the type of certification required, but most documents will take one or two business days for completion.

Is it hard to become a translator In South Africa?

Translation is a challenging career path, but also immensely rewarding when you see how it impacts others and, very often, how grateful your clients are for your help. If you’re worried you’re not good enough, remember that you don’t have to be perfect to start with.

How many languages do you need to know to be a translator In South Africa?

two languages

Typically, a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience is required to become a translator. However, the most important requirement is to become fluent in at least two languages.

How much does a sworn translator cost In South Africa?

Official Translations (sworn and certified)

Sworn Translations (Italy)Sworn Translations (Other countries)
Translation SA R 766.89 – GB £40/page SA R 276.08 – GB £40/page
Service fee SA R 1227.03 – GB £65 SA R 276.08 – GB £8
Shipping SA R153.38 – GB £8 SA R 276.08 – GB £8
Fiscal stampsSA R 276.08 – GB £14 (one every 4 pages)/

Is translator a good career In South Africa?

Translation is a beautiful beast and there are many advantages to pursuing it professionally. Being a translator is more than a good career, it is a fulfilling passion that teaches you something new every day!

Do interpreters travel a lot In South Africa?

You travel a lot especially if you are interpreter, you often need to travel to new venues and attend conferences, seminars, and workshops. This enables you to learn a lot about the culture of the languages that you speak.