The office of the South African Military Ombudsman was launched yesterday (Monday, 14 May 2012) and is to be headed by Lieutenant-General Themba Matanzima, who was sworn in as the first military ombudsman (Ombud) at Thaba Tshwane. The mandate of Office is to investigate complaints lodged in writing by:
- a member regarding his or her conditions of service;
- a former member regarding his or her conditions of service;
- a member of the public regarding the official conduct of a member of the Defence Force; or
- a person acting on behalf of a member.
For the purposes of this section, conditions of service bear the same meaning assigned to it under section 1 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No. 42 of 2002), as amended.
The office of the Ombud is to contribute materially as a last recourse for the complaints and grievances management within the military. It will serve as a mechanism independent of the Military Command structure. The Ombud office is expected to exercise oversight of the defence sector and help to ensure that the military observes principles and practices of good governance- thereby reducing vulnerability and victimisation.
The Military Ombud will independently investigate complaints lodged fairly and expeditiously without fear, favour or prejudice to ensure the Department complies with the determination of alternative resolutions.
It is an institutional form adopted to enhance the effectiveness of the military by making it accountable and responsive. The independence of the Military Ombud Office from Military Command reflects an adherence to principles basic in the military system-that the military is an instrument of civilian authority as embodied in the country’s Constitution.
Furthermore, the Ombud office will complement, rather than compete with existing internal redress procedures within the SANDF. For effective management, officers will first hear and have first opportunity to remedy complaints and grievances of those under their command.
