A seasoned court interpreter has unexpectedly become a social media sensation after his energetic interpretation of testimony at the Madlanga Commission captivated viewers across South Africa.
Vusumuzi Nkabinde, 69, drew widespread attention for his expressive style while translating the testimony of Warrant Officer Mbongeni Mpangase during Friday’s proceedings.
Clips of his performance quickly circulated online, earning admiration for the emotion, clarity and cultural depth he brought to the role.
‘You Are Taken by the Spirit’
Speaking after his newfound fame, Nkabinde explained that his delivery was not planned but flowed naturally as he carried out his work.
He said interpretation requires more than simply translating words, describing it as a skill that demands total immersion in the speaker’s message.
Comparing his approach to interpreters in church services, he said he allows himself to become fully engaged while ensuring every word remains accurate.
According to Nkabinde, adapting to the atmosphere is an important part of effective interpreting, adding that he has never been someone who holds back when the moment calls for expression.
Unexpected Call Led to High-Profile Assignment
The opportunity came with little warning.
Nkabinde revealed that he received a phone call on Thursday evening asking him to report for duty at the commission the following morning.
Years earlier, he had submitted his details to the interpreters’ office near the Johannesburg High Court after hearing experienced retirees might be needed.
After receiving no response for a long period, he assumed the opportunity had passed.
When officials eventually contacted him, they explained they were searching for a Zulu interpreter who also held a law qualification.
Although surprised by the late-night request, he travelled to Pretoria the next morning to take up the assignment.
Fame Arrives Overnight
It was only after returning home that Nkabinde realised just how much attention his performance had attracted.
He said his children were the first to tell him he had become a trending topic online.
Since then, strangers have regularly stopped him to congratulate him after recognising him from television coverage of the inquiry.
Despite the sudden recognition, Nkabinde insists he is taking the attention in stride, saying he remains humbled by the public response and is still puzzled that so much focus has fallen on him instead of younger, professionally trained interpreters.
A Journey Rooted in Soweto
Born in Orlando East in May 1957, Nkabinde grew up in Soweto as the only child of his late parents.
He completed high school in 1976, a year marked by the Soweto uprising.
Reflecting on that turbulent period, he recalled nearly leaving South Africa through Botswana before deciding to return home after thinking about the uncertainty his disappearance would cause his parents.
That decision would ultimately shape a career spanning several decades.
A Career Built Across Different Industries
Nkabinde first entered the justice system as a court interpreter in 1980 before moving into the private sector after four years.
His professional journey later included administrative work at Anglo American, sales positions in the beverage industry, medical aid and insurance, and financial services.
While working in sales, he also pursued further education, completing a diploma in law in 2000 after beginning a Bachelor of Commerce degree during the 1990s.
His experience in customer relations and negotiation, combined with his legal background, helped strengthen the communication skills that later became central to his interpreting work.
Returning to His First Profession
After re-entering court interpreting in the late 1990s, Nkabinde continued balancing different professional roles before spending more than two decades with financial services company Assupol.
He left the company earlier this year after 21 years of service, unaware that retirement would soon lead him back into the national spotlight.
His unexpected appearance at the Madlanga Commission has now introduced millions of viewers to a veteran interpreter whose passion for language and communication has become the talk of social media.
