MEDIA STATEMENT
ATT: ALL NEWS EDITORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 09 December 2024

Military Ombud Office Hosts Annual Symposium

As part of celebrating its anniversary, the South African Military Ombud Office hosted its Annual Symposium, bringing together various stakeholders and role players to share knowledge and best practices within the armed forces.

The symposium was held under the theme:
“Affirming and Promoting the Military Ombud’s Oversight Responsibility: 30 Years into Democracy.”

The Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Richard Mkhungo, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister, Ms Angie Motshekga. Also in attendance was the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, led by its Co-Chairperson, Mr Malusi Gigaba.

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Mkhungo acknowledged that the armed forces, rich in diversity and potential, have faced numerous challenges that have tested their resilience and determination in performing their duties while protecting the sovereignty of the Republic.

“Despite these challenges, they must not be tolerated or normalised. I am confident that our armed forces will overcome them,” said Mkhungo.

Speakers at the symposium included:

• Dr M.B. Khanyile, Director: CEMIS, Stellenbosch University

• Adv. N.P. Gcaleka, Public Protector of South Africa

• Ms N. Masombuka, Acting Head of College, Bridgette Mabandla Justice College

• Adv. D. Dube, Director-General, Public Service Commission

• Lt Gen M. Sitshongaye, Chief of Human Resources, SANDF

• Prof L. Heinecken, Associate Professor of Sociology, Stellenbosch University

• Hon. Judge S. Desai, Legal Services Ombud

In his welcoming address, the Military Ombud, Lt Gen (Ret) Vusumuzi Masondo, informed delegates that the objective of the symposium was to obtain input from both civil and armed forces stakeholders to improve the operational practices of the Office.

Masondo emphasised that public institutions and officials must adhere to due process principles when making administrative decisions or taking administrative action.

“Our armed forces form part of the public as well. Although certain rights may be limited, those rights must be protected in line with national and international law,” said Masondo.

He further noted that the robust exchange of ideas during the symposium would strengthen the Office’s efforts to enhance and bolster democratic governance within the armed forces.

Co-Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Mr Malusi Gigaba, said the Military Ombud Office must inspire confidence among the people it serves.

“As the Committee, we expect honesty when dealing with complaints that come before you. We also want to ensure that you fulfil your responsibility as an Office,” said Gigaba.

The Military Ombud Office was established in 2012 with the mandate to investigate complaints by members and former members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) regarding their conditions of service. The Office is also mandated to investigate complaints from members of the public concerning the official conduct of SANDF personnel while on duty.

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILITARY OMBUD

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