The University of South Africa (UNISA) is inviting experienced language practitioners to submit their expressions of interest for part-time contract positions within the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL). The positions are aimed at supporting language editing, translation, and proofreading services for a variety of academic materials, institutional documents, and other official texts.
This opportunity is available for professionals fluent in South Africa’s official languages, including IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, South Sotho, Siswati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga.
Language practitioners Position Details
- Department: Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning (DTSFL)
- Role: Language Practitioners for Editing and Translation
- Languages: Positions available for IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sesotho sa Leboa, Setswana, South Sotho, Siswati, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga (10 practitioners per language)
- Nature of Appointment: Independent contract (part-time, not a full-time position)
- Reference: Language_Practitioners_African_Languages/IC/BN/2024
- Closing Date: 28 October 2024 (applications due by 16h00)
- Start Date: As soon as possible after selection
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will provide high-quality language services, including:
- Editing: Focusing on language consistency, substantive accuracy, and technical clarity.
- Translation: Ensuring fidelity to original meaning, clarity of language and style, and adherence to technical specifications.
These tasks will apply to a range of materials, such as:
- Study material for academic programs
- Research articles and glossaries
- Abstracts
- Official institutional documents
Qualifications and Requirements
The minimum requirements for consideration include:
- Educational Background: A Grade 12 (Matric) certificate along with a bachelor’s degree or national diploma in a relevant field such as Language Practice, Applied Language Study, Applied Linguistics, Linguistics, or a degree/diploma focusing on Translation and Language Editing (specializing in the specific African language and English).
- Preferred Experience: Experience in editing and translating academic texts is highly recommended, as the role requires a deep understanding of academic language conventions and translation methodologies.
Application Process
Applicants should complete the following steps by the application deadline:
- Fill Out the Online Application Form: This form is available at UNISA’s online form link.
- Submit Required Documentation: This includes:
- The completed application form.
- A comprehensive CV.
- Certified copies of qualifications (not older than six months).
All documents should be emailed to LanguagePractitionersAfricanLanguages@mylife.unisa.ac.za.
Selection and Remuneration
All applicants will undergo a language editing and translation test in their selected language(s) to assess proficiency. Remuneration will be based on the number of pages processed, in line with UNISA’s established rates.
Contact for Enquiries
For further information regarding the contract appointment process, candidates may reach out to:
- Ms. B. Nandi (HR: Contract Appointments): (012) 429 6176
- Mrs. N. Thosago (Language Services Directorate): (011) 670 9723 or email thosand@unisa.ac.za
Additional Information
- Only short-listed candidates will receive correspondence. If an applicant has not been contacted within two months of the closing date, it should be assumed that their application was unsuccessful.
- UNISA is committed to supporting persons with disabilities and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse abilities.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to submit all required documentation promptly.
For more information, including the detailed job advertisement, please visit the UNISA vacancies page.
This position at UNISA offers a valuable opportunity for experienced language practitioners to contribute to the institution’s mission of providing quality education accessible in multiple African languages. By becoming part of this initiative, selected candidates will help enhance learning materials, ensuring they are accurate, culturally relevant, and linguistically precise.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application, complete with supporting documents, before the deadline. UNISA’s commitment to inclusivity makes this role a rewarding pathway to support education and representation across linguistic communities in South Africa.
This contract role is ideal for individuals who are proficient in one of South Africa’s official languages and have experience in editing and translation.
