ATT: All News Editors

For Immediate Release
Date: 09 October 2025

Awareness programme takes centre stage at the 17th ICOAF

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, said that as South Africa works towards strengthening democratic institutions, there is a critical need to raise awareness about the role and functions of ombuds institutions—particularly in matters concerning defence and security.

She made the remarks during her address at the opening of the two-day conference of the International Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces (17ICOAF), currently taking place at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni.

The conference is co-hosted by the South African Military Ombud and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). The Minister emphasised the importance of awareness and outreach for ombuds institutions.

Purpose of the conference

The objective of 17ICOAF is to:

• raise awareness;
• facilitate and foster peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge and best practices; and
• shape future policy responses related to the mandate, powers, and functioning of ombuds institutions.

To date, representatives of ombuds institutions from over 50 states have participated in the ICOAF initiative.

Minister Motshekga on citizen engagement

Minister Motshekga said awareness of ombuds institutions is a cornerstone of citizen engagement.

“Many people, especially those who face challenges with public service delivery, often do not know where to turn for help or recourse. In the realm of defence, this could mean the difference between a soldier suffering from unjust treatment and the establishment of a fair, transparent investigation into the matter,” said Motshekga.

She added that raising awareness about the existence and function of Ombuds offices ensures that individuals have access to tools to voice concerns, seek redress, and hold institutions accountable.

The Minister further noted that ombuds institutions play a vital role in safeguarding the rights and interests of citizens, especially those who may feel voiceless in the face of complex government structures and processes.

Military Ombud: Risks of neglecting outreach

In his opening speech, the Military Ombud, Lt Gen (Ret) Vusumuzi Masondo, said the conference must consider the dangers of neglecting outreach and awareness efforts.

“When outreach is absent, risks often go unidentified and unaddressed. Failing to communicate effectively and engage communities can result in profound and far-reaching consequences. This not only harm individuals but impose heavy financial costs, damage reputations, and may trigger legal penalties,” said Masondo.

Masondo added that without awareness efforts, unsafe conditions can persist in silence, undermining trust and security.

DCAF: Outreach should be the norm

In her opening remarks, Ms Beatrice Godefroy, Deputy Director of DCAF, said outreach and awareness should become the norm to build institutional public trust.

“As DCAF we are committed to constantly empower and capacitate ombuds institutions for institutional transformation to take place. The institutions must exercise fairness in their pursuit of complaints handling and solutions,” said Godefroy.

Background: South African Military Ombud

The South African Military Ombud was established to strengthen accountability and fairness within the defence environment.

The Office is mandated by its Act of 2012 to investigate complaints submitted in writing by:

• current serving and former members of the SANDF regarding their conditions of service; and
• members of the public concerning the official conduct of Defence Force personnel.

In fulfilling its mandate, the Office must promote and safeguard the observance of the fundamental rights of Defence Force members, as enshrined in the RSA Constitution.

Issued by: South African Military Ombud

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