Municipal Ombudsman’s website offline

Residents of Roodepoort have noticed that the website for the Municipal Ombudsman is down, resulting in them asking the question: “Is the office of the Municipal Ombudsman still open?”

According to Advocate S’du Gumede, the Ombudsman for the City of Johannesburg, the office is still open. The website is currently not available, as it is being migrated to a new service provider. “We hope that this will be finalised with the next week,” said Gumede.

Whilst this process is underway, residents who need to make use of the ombudsman’s services can request forms by sending an email to complaints@joburgombudsman.org.za or info@joburgombudsman.org.za. Alternatively, forms can be collected in person from the office at the Isle of Houghton in Wildsview, Houghton Estate or by calling the reception on 010 288 2800 or 087 980 0058.

Complaints of maladministration can be logged through the abovementioned platforms, but residents should remember the following when logging a complaint:
– The ombudsman will not be able to help you if your query is less than 30 days old
– Complaints of the following nature are not accepted and will not be investigated: matters relating to legislative or executive decisions of council; matters relating to legal or arbitration proceedings; labour disputes; matters relating to internal and external audits of the City of Johannesburg; any alleged irregular conduct of councilors irrespective of political party
– Before you lodge a complaint with the ombudsman, lodge a formal complaint with Care Connect on 0860 562 874
– Ensure that you receive and save your complaint reference number from the City of Johannesburg
– Only if and when you have received no response on the complaint within 30 days thereof can you escalate the issue to the ombudsman. Then the following documents are to be included in your complaint: a copy of your ID, your reference number, proof of reference, email and/ or fax correspondence and the official complaints form.

The office of the Ombudsman apologises for any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of its website, and appreciates your patience and understanding.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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