The South African Military Ombud team has embarked on an outreach programme to Potchefstroom to educate the serving members of the SANDF and members of the public about the operations of the Office.

The primary function of the Military Ombud Office is to investigate complaints from current serving and former members of the SANDF. They are also entrusted with the responsibility of investigating complaints brought by members of the public regarding the official conduct of SANDF personnel.

Military Ombud Lt-Gen. (Ret) Vusumuzi Masondo said the Outreaches are meant to educate the uniformed members and the public about the Office functions.

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

Masondo further said educating the soldiers about the procedures they need to follow when lodging a complaint is imperative.

“If we don’t go to these military bases to speak to the soldiers, they will become despondent with issues that could easily be resolved by our Office. We continue to see members getting their matters resolved through our intervention.”

In instances where the Military Ombud is unable to investigate the complaint. They will refer such matters to other statutory bodies where they have entered a Memorandum of Understanding for assistance.

The team in North West also visiting Taxi Ranks and Shopping Centre as part of their public activation.