1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Translation in South African languages: from your first document to regular work

Translate documents between English and another South African language for NGOs, businesses, agencies and government suppliers. This guide covers real 2026 per-word rates, SATI accreditation, a quote template, scripts and a 14-day plan to your first paid job.

  • 25 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • about 2 hours in total

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • You read and write English and another South African language very well, not only speak it.
  • You are careful with detail and meaning.
  • You have a laptop and internet for at least five hours a week.

Think twice if

  • You plan to paste text into a machine translation tool and send it as your own work.
  • You want sworn translations right away: that needs accreditation and a High Court process.

Honest expectations

  • The first paid job usually comes from an NGO, small business or agency within one to two months.
  • Many South African freelancers charge about R1 to R1.50 a word for English and an official African language.
  • Work comes in bursts. Regular agency work takes a few months and good feedback.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How translation work worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Set up step by step: ready for your first client5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Pricing and getting paid: real 2026 rates5 min (in the full guide)
    4. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Apply to agencies3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Look up SATI accreditation3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first clients: where to look5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Your 14-day first-job playbook6 min (in the full guide)
    6. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Land your first paid project3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Translate two sample documents3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Month one, task 3: Contact five local organisations3 min (in the full guide)
    5. Common mistakes new translators make4 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Build regular agency work3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Join SATI3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Months two and three, task 3: Keep a glossary for each client3 min (in the full guide)
    5. Free courses to fill your skill gaps4 min (in the full guide)
    6. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    7. Tax: what to put aside, with worked examples6 min (in the full guide)
    8. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

ItemCostNote
Free translation tool (for example OmegaT)R0Free, open-source software that keeps your glossary and past translations.
SATI individual membership (optional)R0 to R1 440R1,440 a year (Oct 2026). Needed before accreditation. Student membership is R720.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 26 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 26 April 2027.