ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: TRANSLATION AND EDITING: ISINDEBELE

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is seeking an Assistant Director for Translation and Editing in isiNdebele, based in Pretoria. This role is central to the department’s commitment to promoting access to information by ensuring that official documents are available in isiNdebele as well as English. The incumbent will work within a language services environment, providing professional translation, editing, proofreading and terminology development, and will also supervise subordinate language practitioners. The position requires a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, plus a three-year National Diploma at NQF level 6 or a degree at NQF level 7 in Language Studies, Linguistics, Translation and Interpreting Studies, majoring in the relevant language or translation, or an equivalent recognised language qualification. Candidates need two to three years of relevant experience, with at least two years as an isiNdebele Language Practitioner in a translation environment. A departmental isiNdebele translation and editing test must be successfully completed. Knowledge of Public Service Regulations, relevant language policies and prescripts, and translation, editing and language administration is essential. Applicants must have excellent command of at least two official languages including English, strong editing, proofreading and writing skills, and the ability to translate and edit text electronically. Good communication, interpersonal relations, planning and organising skills, computer literacy and research skills are also required.

The main duties involve translating official documents from English into isiNdebele and vice versa, receiving and reviewing documents to determine translation requirements, and studying, analysing and excerpting problematic terms from source texts. The Assistant Director will consult with subject matter experts or language specialists when necessary, edit, check and proofread translated documents, and edit official documents originally written in isiNdebele. Ensuring quality and consistency across all translated and edited materials is a key responsibility, including performing quality checks before final approval. The role also entails conducting research to develop terminology, reviewing and revising existing terminology for clarity and accuracy, and providing administrative support and liaison services. The incumbent will archive all translated and edited documents electronically, report on progress, liaise with stakeholders, assist and advise clients on language matters, and supervise the translation activities of subordinates.

This is an equal opportunity, affirmative action position, and employment decisions will be informed by the department’s Employment Equity Plan to achieve its equity targets. Applicants must be South African citizens. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks, including security clearance, vetting, qualification and citizenship verification, financial and asset record checks, previous employment verification and criminal record checks. Candidates are encouraged to declare any criminal or negative credit records. All shortlisted candidates will undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability, and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment. The successful candidate will be required to enter into an employment contract and sign an annual performance agreement. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and they will need to bring certified copies of their ID and qualifications if invited for an interview. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Shortlisted candidates must be available for a virtual or in-person panel interview and must arrange their own internet access and equipment for that purpose. The department has also noted that incomplete or late applications will not be considered, and that applicants who wish to withdraw must do so in writing.