Pistorius: Interpret the interpreter?
Yesterday's start to the Oscar Pistorius case highlights serious concerns about the state of interpreters in our justice system.
Ms Michelle Burger, the first witness for the State, wished to testify in Afrikaans. There appear to be various versions reported as to why an interpreter was not readily available, but when an interpreter was found, the witness reportedly had to correct the interpreter's translation. State prosecutor Gerrie Nel is alleged to have even mouthed words to the interpreter in an attempt to assist her to translate from Afrikaans to English.
The witness then reportedly agreed to try and testify in English as far as possible. Today she is reportedly testifying in English.
English and Afrikaans are two of our very commonly used official languages. If it is so problematic to find an interpreter for these languages in one of South Africa's highest profile, internationally covered court cases, one can only imagine what people experience every day when they attend court.
It is simply unacceptable that suitably qualified interpreters are not readily available for trials. It is traumatic enough for witnesses to give evidence, and for them then to have to interpret their own evidence, or resort to using a language other than their home language, is unforgiveable. It is also potentially prejudicial to the witness, who may be quoted incorrectly, and to the accused, if the evidence incriminates him/her if it is incorrectly translated. It begs the question: What if the witness is not able to understand the translation and thus does not realise that their evidence is being incorrectly conveyed?
The Department of Justice must have qualified interpreters for all 11 official South African languages. Judges, lawyers and witnesses cannot be depended on to correct the translations of interpreters. Not everyone is comfortable speaking English. People who speak any of South Africa's official languages cannot continue to be prejudiced. They must have access to qualified interpreters so as to not tarnish the credibility of their testimony and the court case.
A vote for the DA on 7 May will be a vote for a government, which would ensure respect for constitutional provisions around the use of all eleven official languages by ensuring a sufficient supply of court interpreters.
Statement issued by Debbie Schafer MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, March 4 2014
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