GEORGE NEWS - George councillors had some fun with new gadgets at their council meeting last week Thursday.
Each councillor now has access to a set of earphones with which they can, at their own convenience, listen to a translation of the proceedings in council.
Currently two translators are stationed in the translation booth at the back of the council chambers for the duration of the meeting. They take turns to translate from Afrikaans to isiXhosa, and from isiXhosa to English. This is especially necessary when Afrikaans or isiXhosa-speaking councillors comment in their mother tongue.
The difference between the new setup and the previous method of translation in council is the immediacy. Council proceedings can now be shortened because it is not necessary to wait for translation after a council member has spoken.
Portfolio Councillor for Corporate Services, Jacqulique von Brandis, said this immediate translation technique is the forerunner to the live streaming of council proceedings.
"We are going to start streaming and want council proceedings to be as smooth as possible. Direct translation works across the world to enable people to communicate in their own language.
Director of Protection Services, Steven Erasmus
"We want George to be a flagship in the South Western Cape when it comes to council proceedings and forward thinking. Now that we can do direct translation we can start streaming our meetings," said Von Brandis.
"It was a very good first implementation run. Practice makes perfect. There will always be implementation hiccups, but we are confident this will all be sorted out with time and practice. Well done to the translation team who did extremely well on their first try."
All set in the translation booth: The two translators in front are Nomawonga Appolis (left) and Ntombosindiso Majova. At the back are Portfolio Councillor for Corporate Services, Jacqulique von Brandis; manager of Auxiliary Services, Alwyn Joseph; and the acting director of Corporate Services, Siphiwo James. Photos: Michelle Pienaar
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