KwaDukuza man is SA’s best interpreter
He also volunteers his services at the small claims court every Thursday afternoon.
The spirit of ubuntu is what drives the energetic and enthusiastic KwaDukuza court interpreter Nzuzo Jali.
Jali has won the 2014/2015 best public servant of the year silver award and best court interpreter of 2015.
What sets him apart is that he speaks loudly and clearly and makes sure that not only the accused hear him, but even the public behind the thick security glass in the court room can hear every word.
“I am very happy with my achievements and the response I get from the public,” said Jali.
Jali started his career in 2002 in his home town of Kokstad.
“I started working as a casual doing administrative duties and I doubled as an stenographer. I enjoyed working in court and I applied to be a interpreter,” said Jali.
He worked in different courts in Zululand and Umkhanyakude districts before joining the KwaDukuza regional court in 2012.
When not in the courtroom, Jali can be seen walking through the court corridors chatting with the public and helping them where he can.
“This job needs good listening skills, because if you make a mistake someone innocent can be jailed and a guilty person found innocent just because the interpreter did not listen carefully,” said Jali.
He said when the interpreter does not understand a certain word, he or she must inform the court and ask to go and find out its meaning.
Jali is particularly proud of the day he was called to assist with translation in the Durban magistrates court. The were so impressed with him that they called for him to be employed there full time, but luckily for us KwaDukuza has managed to hang on to this loyal public servant.
He also volunteers his services for the people who attend the small claims court every Thursday afternoon.
“Most of the people who attend these cases are poor people who use public transport. So when they need to go home it is often already late at night and there is no transport. I help where I can and sometimes I take them to the police station, just to ensure that they are safe,” said Jali.
