Grounded independence

The Office of the Military Ombudsman of South Africa remains the only entity of its type in Africa and now has 56 personnel. The office is an independent, impartial entity, which may not investigate any complaint unless all invested parties have been given the opportunity to submit responses. The Office is funded by appropriation by parliament through the Defence budget vote and the appointment of its head and deputy is by the president, which, judging by the discussion at this 2017 event, should be pushed to change to become a parliamentary responsibility.

It enjoys interactive relationships with offices in such countries as Switzerland and is an active member of the International Military Ombud Institutions under the umbrella of the International Conference of the Ombud Institution for the Armed Forces, and is regularly invited to present papers internationally. The office has memorandums of understanding with local third parties with respect to collaborative efforts on investigation and case referral.