ATT: ALL NEWS EDITORS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 24 March 2025

Military Ombud Office Conducts Outreach Programme for Soldiers in North West

The South African Military Ombud Office has embarked on an outreach programme in Potchefstroom, North West, to educate serving members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and members of the public about the operations and mandate of the Office.

The primary function of the Military Ombud Office is to investigate complaints from current serving and former members of the SANDF regarding their conditions of service. The Office is also entrusted with the responsibility of investigating complaints brought by members of the public concerning the official conduct of SANDF personnel while on duty.

Military Ombud Lt Gen (Ret) Vusumuzi Masondo said the outreach programme is intended to educate uniformed members and the public about the functions and services offered by the Office.

“We need to visit all areas around the country to educate and inform our stakeholders about an Office that has been created with the sole purpose of assisting them when they are aggrieved,” said Masondo.

Masondo further emphasised the importance of informing soldiers about the procedures that must be followed when lodging a complaint.

“If we do not go to these military bases to speak to the soldiers, they may become despondent with issues that could easily be resolved through our Office. We continue to see members having their matters resolved through our intervention,” he said.

In instances where the Military Ombud Office is unable to investigate a complaint, such matters are referred to other statutory bodies with which the Office has entered into Memoranda of Understanding for further assistance.

As part of the public activation component of the outreach, the team in North West will also be visiting taxi ranks and shopping centres to engage directly with community members.

Issued by the Military Ombud Office

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