Eye on military issues

THESouth African Military Ombud, Lieutenant-General (Ret) Themba Matanzima, expresses his heartfelt condolences to the loved ones and friends of the fallen member of the SANDF who was ambushed in Sudan by rebels.

“I would also like to wish the seriously injured member a speedy recovery. While we are deeply saddened, we salute your dedication, bravery and heroism.”

General Matanzima’s office is entrusted with investigating complaints brought by members of the SANDF who are not satisfied with their conditions of service. The office also investigates complaints brought by members of the public against SANDF personnel while on duty.

The Office of the Military Ombud was established in 2012 to investigate and ensure that complaints against the SANDF are resolved in a fair, economical and expeditious manner.

The office undertakes outreach programmes in military bases all over the country.

General Matanzima said the outreach programmes were important for the members of the defence and public so that they could understand the mandate and existence of the office.

At these outreach engagements, the office most importantly educates the military personnel on the processes that need to be followed when lodging a complaint with the office after exhausting all internal processes within the Department of Defence. “We deal with cases brought by members or against members of the force without fear or favour,” said Matanzima.

“It is essential for members to understand that they cannot approach the office before following internal processes within the force. Our office will remain open to assist them when they are not satisfied with the outcome of their grievances.”

In instances where the Military Ombud is not able to investigate the complaint, the office advises the complainant of another institution that could assist in resolving the complaint. Military Ombud

Cape Town