Municipal Ombudsman to be operational soon

Roodepoort residents can look forward to the the office of municipal ombudsman the City of Johannesburg has been promising since 2012, as it will be operational by 1 September.

At this stage the only problem is that although the by-laws have been passed and the job advert has been run, the office has not been included in the budget for the new financial year that commences in July.

Officials allegedly are scrambling to include the office in the budget before it is announced on 27 May.

According to the advert for the position the person must have suitable qualifications and be either a retired judge or magistrate or an advocate or attorney with at least 10 years’ experience; or a person with 10 years’ experience in administration of justice, public administration or public finances.

The ombudsman among other duties will:

• investigate claims of maladministration

• investigate public servants behaviour that contravenes the public’s right to efficient and courteous service, dignity and honesty

• ensure procedural fairness and administrative justice

• promote compliance with the city’s procedures, policies and by-laws

• make recommendations on amending the city’s processes and policies

The ombudsman will not :

• investigate legislative and executive decisions by the council

• investigate any matter where legal or arbitration proceedings have started

• investigate matters where charges already have been laid against an offender

• investigate internal and external audits of the city’s finances

• investigate claims that the complainant has not exhausted yet

• investigate the conduct of councillors

According to Chairperson of the council’s Standing Committee on Economic Development, Councillor Willie van der Schyf, the ombudsman is proof of the council’s commitment to transparent accountable administration.

“The office of the ombudsman is part of the process of giving the taxpayer piece of mind, knowing that responsible administration and service delivery takes root,” says Van der Schyf.

“This process was started when the legislative and executive powers were separated. Alongside entities such as the Municipal Audit Committee and the Ethics Commissioner, the ombudsman is just another positive addition to ensure that as the number one metro, our long term vision for residents of the City of Johannesburg is realised,” says Van der Schyf.