Ombudsman office opens
HOUGHTON - Joburg's Executive Mayor Mpho Parks Tau and the City of Joburg's first ombudsman Advocate Siduduzo Gumede officially opened the door to Gumede's new office on 1 July.
Tau said, “The City seeks to ensure that customers and citizens feel acknowledged through an approach that puts them first, and the office of the ombudsman has to hold everyone in the City’s administration accountable.”
The establishment of the office is in line with the City’s Joburg 2040 Growth and Development Strategy that puts the people of Johannesburg first. The strategy calls for both leaders and employees of the City to embrace good governance, and nurture a culture of transparency and accountability.
Complaints can now be lodged by citizens with the ombudsman. Residents have been advised that the ombudsman is an office of last instance, in other words, residents must first take their complaints through remedial avenues before escalating them to the public advocate’s office.
Gumede said, “The independence of this office is safeguarded, ensuring all systems work together in the best way possible. All complaints will be dealt with and investigated effectively.
“It is great to see the culmination of the work of the City’s Legislature, its councillors and departments, and the many processes they have had to follow come together today in this way.”
He said he would mediate and conciliate disputes, investigate acts of maladministration and corruption, and ensure that the rights of the public were held up in terms of the Constitution.
The office of the ombudsman is situated at the Isle of Houghton office park in Houghton Estate.
Details: info@joburgombudsman.org.za
