MEDIA RELEASE

ATT: ALL NEWS EDITORS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:  17 February 2026

Military Ombud participating in the Annual Armed Forces Day in Thohoyandou

Military Ombud Lt Gen (Ret) Vusumuzi Masondo says the Office participation at the Annual Armed Forces which is currently taking place in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, is very crucial in their efforts to educate members of the public about its existence.

The Military Ombud is leading delegation of senior managers who will engage importantly with the members of the public about the Office mandate. “Since our existence there are people who still don’t know about our existence more specifically the members of the public, who are one of our key stakeholders. Members of the public can report soldiers regarding their official conduct like use of excessive force when in official duty,” said Masondo.

The Military Ombud was established in 2012 to investigate and ensure that complaints against the SANDF are resolved in a fair, economical and expeditious manner. The Office is entrusted with the responsibility of investigating complaints brought by current members of the SANDF who are not satisfied with their conditions of service, like promotions, unfair dismissal, tools of trade, benefits amongst other.

Masondo says the Armed Forces Day is the best platform for the Office to reach out to its target audience of serving, former members and the public as a whole. “We have to use this opportunity to educate those that we serve so that they are informed when it comes to their rights,” said Masondo.

A member of the public who wishes to complain about the official conduct of a member of the Defence Force has got 90 days from the date on which he or she became aware of the act or omission concerned.

The Ombud investigation is not a criminal investigation but a non-adversarial administrative inquiry to ensure due process has been observed by the employer.

The Military Ombud may summon any person to submit an affidavit or    affirmed declaration or to appear before him to give evidence or produce any document that has a bearing on the matter before him. 

Issued by the Military Ombud Office. For more information contact: Ms Teresa Magidela on 060 601 7724 Email: Magidelat@milombud.org Ntshengedzeni Singo on 072 629 6339 Email: Singon@milombud.org