What is a certified translation?
What is the meaning of certified translation in South Africa? A certified translation entails translating documents from one language to another, while in the same manner, staying true to the original document in terms of content and formatting, this translation is done by a sworn translator. A sworn translator is a translator that has taken an oath before the South African High Court, during the oath they testify in front of the court that their translations are concise and faithfully translated to their best ability and knowledge. The translator must be legally authorised to translate into the language combination and should have official accreditation from the courts, this is in accordance with Act 59 of 1959 of the Supreme Court of South Africa. A certified translation is also called a certificate of accuracy, this certificate of accuracy is completed by a certified sworn translator and guarantees that the document is accurate and of the highest quality.
Characteristics of a certified translation
A certified translation in South Africa has specific requirements which should be followed precisely, those requirements are as follows: There should be a statement in writing affirming that this is a certified and true copy of the original. The document should be signed and sealed with the translator’s seal, by the certified translator. The translator’s full name, the languages they translate into, and the designation sworn or certified translator should also be included. It should be clearly stated that the document is a translation and the language it was originally written in must also be specified. The formatting of the translated document should remain the same or be as close as possible to the original. The document must have clear page numbers and the end of the document should be clearly stated, in order to avoid fraudulent editions.
Documents that often require certified translations
- Birth/Death Certificates.
- Driver’s license.
- Marriage certificates.
- Evidentiary documents.
- Trial transcripts.
- Passports/Visas.
- Diplomas/Degrees.
- Academic transcripts.
- Patent filings.
- Contracts.
- Financial reports.
- Bank statements.
- Medical records.
What is the difference between a certified, sworn, and notarized translation?
Certified translations and Sworn translations are used interchangeably in South Africa. They abide by the same characteristics and have the same set of requirements. They both need to be done by a sworn translator, sworn in by the South African High Court, they both need to be a replica of the original document or as close as possible to the original document and they both have to follow the same set of requirements to be considered a true replica of the original and all this is coupled with the certified translator’s seal to prove authentication of the document.
In a notarized translation, the translator confirms under oath in front of a notary, not the courts that the document is accurate. They also confirm their identity and sign an affidavit, attesting to the accuracy of their translated document. This process is then completed with an official stamp and signed by a notary. Foreign diplomas and school transcripts are some of the official documents that frequently need notarized translations rather than certified translations.
Afrikaans translation services
Afrikaans Translation Services is a translation agency with roots in Pretoria and has a reputation for producing excellent work. Our translation services have aided our clients in South Africa for more than ten years and has been developing closer connections with their clientele all around the world. We will provide you with both certified and sworn translators. You will always get expert results at reasonable prices since we are dedicated to providing high-quality translations, great service, on-time delivery, and total customer satisfaction. Call us at +27 (0) 12-348-3134 or send an email to info@frenchside.co.za for more information about our document translation services. We’ll be pleased to speak with you and address any queries you may have.
translation of the marriage certificate and the apostolic certificate from the Ukrainian language into English, the translation must be certified by a notary with his seal and signature. I want to receive a translation by DHL Mbabane Eswaini
Hi Njabulo.
We don’t offer translations in any of the Ukrainian languages. I would advise that you contact the Ukrainian Embassy for that. These are the languages we offer translations in German, Spanish, French, Portuguese and any of the 11 official South African languages.