About the role

Setswana is the national language of Botswana and an official language of South Africa, where it is spoken mainly in North West province and Gauteng. It is closely related to Sesotho and Sepedi. The people you interpret for may include students, professionals and families from Botswana and South Africa, many of whom also speak English, but who prefer Setswana for sensitive medical or legal discussions.

Work includes hospital and GP appointments, mental health services, legal advice, university and school meetings, and translation of certificates, reports and business documents.

What you will do

Interpret between English and Setswana, adapting to speakers from Botswana and South Africa.
Translate Setswana certificates, letters and reports into English with careful attention to names and official titles.
Follow professional standards of accuracy, impartiality and confidentiality on every assignment.
Prepare for each booking by reviewing the brief and researching specialist terminology in advance.
Take on-site assignments at hospitals, courts, offices and other venues, and remote sessions by video or telephone.
Take on transcription and translation of Tswana recordings for legal, research and media clients, if this work interests you.

What we are looking for

Native or near-native fluency in Setswana and English, spoken and written.
Relevant qualifications such as the DPSI, DPI or a translation degree, or equivalent professional experience; CIOL, ITI or NRPSI membership is welcome.
Knowledge of Sesotho, Sepedi or Afrikaans is an advantage.
Willingness to undergo a DBS check, which is required for some assignments, such as those involving children or vulnerable adults.
For on-site work in the UK, the right to work in the UK.
Reliable internet access and suitable equipment (computer or phone with headset) for video and telephone work.

What we offer

Freelance flexibility, accepting work when it suits you.
Remote and on-site assignments.
Fair pay that reflects your skills and time.
Support from our operations team.
Assignments across sectors, including healthcare, legal and public services.

Tswana work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a Tswana linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Tswana:

Tswana interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
Tswana translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified Tswana translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
Tswana transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.

Questions

Do you also need Sesotho or Sepedi interpreters?

Sometimes. If you speak either, list it in your application so we can match you to more work.

Is this a freelance role?

Yes. This is freelance (self-employed) work, so you choose which assignments to accept.

Apply for this role

Freelance Tswana (Setswana) Interpreter and Translator