Pretoria - The South African Military Ombud Office and the Department of Military Veterans have committed to work together by entering into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide regulated cooperation for the mutual benefits of those served by the two institutions.
The purpose of this MoU is to provide for a co-operative framework between the two institutions of government, with a view to sharing information and enhancing the effectiveness of the two institutions on matters of common interest.
“This MoU is a victory for the Military Veterans as their cases will be attended expeditiously on investigation of unresolved matters between former members and their employer, Department of Military Veterans,” said South African Military Ombud Lt Gen (Ret) Temba Matanzima.
“It is important to note that with this MoU, we will now have full cooperation from the department when we want to access information for cases brought to our offices by the veterans,” he said.
The Office of the Military Ombud is a statutory body established in terms of the Military Ombud Act, 4 of 2012 to investigate complaints lodged by current and former members of the South African National Defence Force regarding conditions of service and complaints lodged by the public regarding the official conduct of members of the Defence Force.
“Our institutions need each other as we endeavour to assist the former troops with their grievances and our commitment to work with one another benefits many of those who require our undivided attention,” Lt Gen Matanzima said.
Among other things, the two institutions have agreed that they will endeavour to resolve any dispute or misunderstanding through consultation, negotiation and or mediation.
Matanzima also mentioned that the operation and effectiveness of this MoU will be formally reviewed by the parties on each anniversary date or unless otherwise determined by the parties. – SAnews.gov.za
