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Legal Q&A

Right to an Interpreter in South Africa

You have the constitutional right to use the language of your choice in court and to have an interpreter provided by the state if you do not understand the proceedings.

Free South African Law
Direct Answer
Section 35(3)(k) of the Constitution gives every accused person the right to be tried in a language they understand, or to have the proceedings interpreted. Courts and police stations must provide an interpreter at state expense if you cannot communicate effectively in English or Afrikaans. You do not have to pay for this service.
What the Law Says

Your Legal Foundation

Constitution of South Africa
Section 35(3)(k)
“Every accused person has the right to a fair trial, which includes the right to be tried in a language that the accused person understands or, if that is not reasonably possible, to have the proceedings interpreted in that language.”
Constitution of South Africa
Section 6
“The official languages of South Africa are Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu.”
What to Do

Step-by-Step Guide

What to Say

Exact Words to Use

“"I do not adequately understand English/Afrikaans well enough to follow these proceedings. I request that an interpreter in [language] be provided before these proceedings continue. This is my constitutional right under Section 35(3)(k)."”
Tone: State clearly to the magistrate, prosecutor, or officer at the start of proceedings
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the right to an interpreter apply at a police station too?
Yes. Section 35(1) gives arrested persons the right to communicate with a legal practitioner and to have the content of their rights explained to them in a language they understand. An interpreter must be made available if needed at any stage of criminal proceedings — including at the police station.
Get Help Now

Resources & Helplines

  • Legal Aid SA
    0800 110 110
    Raise interpreter denial as a ground in your case.
  • SAHRC
    011 877 3600
    Language rights violations.
Related Pages

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