Joburg Ombudsman clinics roll out to deliver real solutions in local communities

The Office of the Ombudsman for the City of Johannesburg will roll out its annual citizen information clinics across the city, under the theme ‘Working together to deliver real solutions’ from February to March 5.

The clinics bring Ombudsman services directly into communities, providing residents with an accessible platform to raise concerns and seek resolution.

This year’s rollout builds on demonstrated progress achieved through ongoing collaboration between the Office and the city’s departments and entities.

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The implementation of corrective actions in response to complaints raised during the information clinics held in March last year confirms that when institutions work together, tangible and measurable improvements in people’s living conditions can be achieved.

The Office is particularly encouraged by the extent to which community concerns have translated into action on the ground, reaffirming the clinics as a practical and responsive mechanism for meaningful community engagement.

These outcomes show that they are not merely forums for lodging complaints but effective interventions that drive solutions, restore public trust and place residents’ needs at the heart of service delivery.

Ombudsman Advocate Siduduzo Gumede said this progress reflects the strength of cooperative governance and underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between the Ombudsman’s Office and municipal departments to address community challenges.

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He stated that it further reinforces the clinics’ role as a key initiative that works for the people, ensuring that community voices are heard and respected.

“The impact of this approach is clearly visible in Protea Glen, where a bakery had been operating illegally under unsafe conditions, including unlawful electricity connections and an open sewer that posed serious health and safety risks to the surrounding community,” he said.

He highlighted that following the Ombudsman’s intervention, decisive corrective measures were taken, and the illegal bakery and other tenants were evacuated at Marketplace, situated at the corner of R558 and Tau Street.

Illegal electricity meters were removed; unlawfully erected structures were demolished, and the property owner initiated the formal process of applying for rezoning and consent use, submitting building plans to the City of Johannesburg for approval.

The clinics for 2026 have been further strengthened to ensure that community engagement leads to visible, lasting outcomes.

Issues raised by residents will now be connected to real-time solutions through follow-up open Days, enabling communities not only to voice concerns but also to see progress in action.

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Rolled out across the City, these clinics and Open Days bring services closer to residents, enhance awareness of rights and accelerate the resolution of long-standing service delivery challenges.

Beyond addressing individual complaints, the clinics play a critical role in raising awareness of the Ombudsman’s mandate, promoting a culture of human rights and accountability and facilitating direct, face-to-face engagement with key partners, including City Power, Joburg Water, Revenue Services, Chapter 9 Institutions and other stakeholders.

This outreach is supported by Section 17(1) (a) and (b) of the Ombudsman By-Law, 2023, which mandates public education and information-sharing as core functions of the Office.

“This initiative is about meeting communities where they are, by bringing services directly to residents, we are not only addressing immediate concerns but also reinforcing accountability and delivering solutions that make a real difference in people’s daily lives,” explained Gumede.

Residents attending the clinics are encouraged to bring their ID or proof of residence, recent municipal accounts, and any correspondence from City Power, Joburg Water or the Office of the Ombudsman.
Assistance will be available for:
1. Outstanding billing and service queries;
2. Discrepancies on municipal accounts;
3. Updates on pending complaints;
4. Lodging of new complaints and
5. Engagement on City Power and Joburg Water services.

THURSDAY CITIZEN INFORMATION CLINICS 2026

Region B
Date: 05 February 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Ferndale Recreation Centre, Randburg

Region D1
Date: 12 February 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Protea South Multipurpose Centre, Soweto

Region A
Date: 19 February 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Diepsloot Youth Centre

Region E
Date: 05 March 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Marlboro Community Hall

Region G
Date: 12 March 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Lenasia Civic Centre

Region C
Date: 19 March 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Roodepoort City Hall, Roodepoort

Region F
Date: 26 March 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Crown Gardens Recreation Centre

SATURDAY OPEN DAYS 2026

Region B
Date: 07 February 2026
Time: 08:00 – 16:00
Venue: Randburg Civic Centre, Ferndale

Region A
Date: 21 February 2026
Time: 08:00 – 16:00
Venue: Lonehill Fire Station

Region E
Date: 07 March 2026
Time: 08:00 – 16:00
Venue: City of Johannesburg Regional Offices, Sandton

Region C
Date: 28 March 2026
Time: 08:00 – 16:00
Venue: City of Johannesburg Regional Offices, Florida

Regions D1 and D2
Date: 09 May 2026
Time: 08:00 – 16:00
Venue: Diepkloof Multipurpose Centre, Soweto

Region G
Date: 26 May 2026
Time: 08:00 – 16:00
Venue: Lenasia Civic Centre