Residents participated in a City Ombud engagement with Zetu Makamandela-Mguqulwa at Blue Route Mall on Friday 13 March, as part of World Consumer Rights Day. The initiative, themed “Safe products, confident consumer”, provided an opportunity for residents to raise municipal complaints directly with the Ombudsman’s Office.
Regulatory bodies support City Ombud engagement
Several organisations joined the event to support the City Ombud engagement, including the Western Cape Police Ombudsman and the Public Protector South Africa. Other participants included the Community Schemes Ombud Service, the National Financial Ombud, and representatives from the insurance sector.
Connecting residents with solutions
Makamandela-Mguqulwa said the City Ombud engagement allowed residents to discuss unresolved municipal challenges.
“I look forward to meeting residents and helping them with any last-resort challenges regarding municipal services,” she said.
Previously, she served as the first Ombud at the University of Cape Town, establishing the institution’s Ombuds Office and assisting thousands.
Focus on mediation and accountability
“As a trained mediator, coach, and change-management specialist, I am passionate about ethics, organisational integrity, inclusivity and leadership development,” Makamandela-Mguqulwa said.
The City Ombudsman’s Office operates as an office of last resort, meaning residents must first exhaust internal municipal channels before escalating complaints. The office offers a free, independent, and impartial service focused on alternative dispute resolution and corrective action.
Residents encouraged to participate
Residents attending the exhibition were encouraged to bring identity documents and supporting evidence when lodging complaints.
The office also continues City Ombud engagement through awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery across the City.
Have your say
Email: peoplespost@novusmedia.co.za
