MEDIA RELEASE
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 as they work towards strengthening their 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.
The Minister said this during her address at the opening of the 2 days conference of International Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces (17ICOAF) that is currently taking place at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni.
The conference is co-hosted by the South African Military Ombud and Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). The Minister emphasized the importance of awareness and outreach for ombuds institutions.
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 of over 50 states have participated in the ICOAF initiative.
Minister Motshekga mentioned that 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 the tools they need to voice concerns, seek redress, and hold institutions accountable.
Moreover, the Minister said the 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.
The Military Ombud Lt Gen (Ret) Vusumuzi Masondo in his opening speech stated that the conference must look at 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 said without awareness efforts, unsafe conditions persist in silence, undermining the foundation of trust and security that every community and organization depends on.
In her opening remarks, the Deputy Director of DCAF Ms Beatrice Godefroy said that Outreach and awareness should be made a norm in order 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.
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 safeguards the observance of the fundamental rights of Defence Force members, as enshrined in the RSA Constitution.
For more information; Please contact Ms Teresa Magidela, Public Relations Officer at (012) 676 3811/ 060 601 7724 or Email: MagidelaT@milombud.org or Mr Ntshengedzeni Singo at 072 629 6339 Email: Singon@milombud.org
ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN MILITARY OMBUD
