Military Ombudsman visits Limpopo bases

The South African Military Ombudsman, Themba Matanzima embarked on an outreach drive during which all the military bases in Limpopo were visited last week. The programme is reportedly aimed at engaging the members of South African Defence Force (SANDF) on the mandate of his office.
The office of the ombudsman is entrusted with the responsibility of investigating complaints lodged in writing by current and former members of the SANDF who are not satisfied with their conditions of service, it was learnt. It also investigates complaints reported by members of the public against the official conduct of SANDF personnel.
Matanzima was quoted saying: “It is through the Military Ombud Act of 2012 that this office was established to investigate and ensure that complaints against the SANDF are resolved in a fair, economical and expeditious manner.”
In ensuring effective and efficient communication with its stakeholders, the office conducts an outreach programme where investigators and analysts do presentations and answer questions on pertinent issue about conditions of service affecting the serving members and former members of the defence force, it was reported.
Matanzima said it was imperative to reach soldiers across the country so that they can learn about their rights and procedures they need to follow when lodging a grievance with his office.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za