Our man the new CT ombudsman
THE City of Cape Town has had a new ombudsman in Mongezi Menye – a former Mlungisi and Ezibeleni resident – since May.
Menye matriculated from KwaKomani Comprehensive School.
Menye said he had been excited about the challenging role he had to play since he had received news of his appointment earlier this year.
He said his main aim was to serve the city and its citizens by ensuring that the office achieved its legislative mandate.
The role of the ombudsman’s office was to investigate and facilitate the resolution of complaints lodged by residents of the city on claims of maladministration, injustice and a lack of service by the city administration.
“The office renders free, independent, impartial, non-prejudicial and apolitical ombudsman services, which mainly entails alternative dispute resolution together with advocacy, relationship management and communication.”
Menye boasts an extensive legal background and was the adjudicator general in Johannesburg Community Schemes Ombud Services (CSOS) prior to his appointment in Cape Town.
“I am also currently serving as a board member of the Anti-Corruption Centre for Education and Research of the University of Stellenbosch (ACCERUS).”
Menye is a firm believer in and advocate for consumer rights.
He said the city’s ombudsman would aim to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act designed to strengthen constitutional democracy ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability.
The most challenging aspect of his job was to recommend a workable solution and to reconcile opposing parties by ensuring that the aggrieved party was provided with fair service regardless of a complaint being found to be justified or not.
Asked about his home town and what he would like to see happening in Komani, Menye said, “I would like to see improved service delivery that is in line with the expectations outlined in government’s promise of Batho Pele. In general terms, service delivery that is customer focused and responsive to the needs of the residents of Komani. There should be a major focus on the road infrastructure and other services.”
For Komani to reach the level of Cape Town – the latter which is known to be a world-class city – he said a long-term strategy should be focused on service delivery that was citizen-centric and based on sustainable development.
“This will increase public satisfaction. There should also be a concerted effort to deal with the scourge of unemployment, crime and substance abuse, things that are affecting the youth.”