Opuwo: The Office of the Judiciary has clarified how indigenous language interpreters are deployed at courts, following concerns over the availability of Otjiherero and Damara/Nama interpretation services at the Opuwo Magistrate's Court.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Deputy Director of Public Relations in the Republic of Namibia's Office of the Judiciary, Vikitoria Hango, explained that the current structure of the judiciary presents challenges in ensuring that all indigenous languages are represented at every court simultaneously. She mentioned that interpreter allocation is based on geographical location and the predominant languages spoken in each region.

'The distribution of interpreters is determined by the geographical location of courts and the dominant language in that area. When specific language interpreters are required, a systematic process is followed to source them in advance,' Hango stated.

Hango further noted that the Office of the Judiciary has not identified any backlog of court cases attributable solely to a shortage of interpreters. She emphasized that mechanisms are in place to ensure proceedings remain fair and accessible. Language access is crucial in the justice system, especially in rural areas where multiple indigenous languages are spoken.

This clarification comes after concerns were raised by court users and community members about the availability of Otjiherero and Damara/Nama interpretation services at the Opuwo Magistrate's Court, which serves communities across the Kunene Region.