It is not often one finds court interpreter taking centre stage during proceedings, but Sizakele Mhlongo managed to do just that.
Mhlongo, 38, has arguably become the most popular interpreter in SA, trending on social media after she showcased a no-nonsense and diligent stance during the rape sentencing of kwaito star Sipho "Brickz" Ndlovu in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court.
While Ndlovu was being sentenced, social media was abuzz with commentary about Mhlongo. Not yet aware of the buzz she had created, Mhlongo told Sowetan yesterday that she was simply doing her job.
"I am very passionate about my job. I love it because I come across a lot of different cases and learn a great deal from them. I love what I do and that's what I wake up for in the morning."
The widow and mother of two children aged six and 14 said it was important to take her job seriously and dress for the part because she is a representative of the justice system.
Mhlongo has been an interpreter for nine years and has spent all those years in the West Rand court.
Her language translations oscillate between six languages, but yesterday she was plunged into the public eye for her fluency in Zulu.
"This has been a very painful and difficult case to work on - not only for me but [for] everyone involved in it.
"The most difficult part was having to translate for the complainant [Ndlovu's niece].
"It makes you see that we have a huge problem in society. If we as females can't trust the males in our families, who are we supposed to turn to?"
Translator steals show at Brickz's ruling
It is not often one finds court interpreter taking centre stage during proceedings, but Sizakele Mhlongo managed to do just that.
Mhlongo, 38, has arguably become the most popular interpreter in SA, trending on social media after she showcased a no-nonsense and diligent stance during the rape sentencing of kwaito star Sipho "Brickz" Ndlovu in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court.
While Ndlovu was being sentenced, social media was abuzz with commentary about Mhlongo. Not yet aware of the buzz she had created, Mhlongo told Sowetan yesterday that she was simply doing her job.
"I am very passionate about my job. I love it because I come across a lot of different cases and learn a great deal from them. I love what I do and that's what I wake up for in the morning."
The widow and mother of two children aged six and 14 said it was important to take her job seriously and dress for the part because she is a representative of the justice system.
Mhlongo has been an interpreter for nine years and has spent all those years in the West Rand court.
Her language translations oscillate between six languages, but yesterday she was plunged into the public eye for her fluency in Zulu.
"This has been a very painful and difficult case to work on - not only for me but [for] everyone involved in it.
"The most difficult part was having to translate for the complainant [Ndlovu's niece].
"It makes you see that we have a huge problem in society. If we as females can't trust the males in our families, who are we supposed to turn to?"
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