The Office of the City Ombudsman will be hosting an event in commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day on Monday, 17 March 2025. Residents are invited to join the celebration. Read more below:
‘The Office of the City Ombudsman will be hosting the commemoration for celebration and solidarity within the international consumer movement, acknowledged internationally on 15 March each year. The theme for this year is “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles”. There will be a meet-and-greet with our Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, among others.
‘Visitors to the event will also have the opportunity to engage with several organisations and City officials about a number of topics and issues. Opportunities will be available to learn more about our services. City departments and regulatory bodies will provide information tables to offer support to those who are in need of their services. The exhibition will be raising awareness and promoting consumer rights in their interaction with members of the public, City staff, Councillors, greater business and interest groups,’ said City Ombudsman Vusumzi Magwebu.
Date: Monday, 17 March 2025
Venue: Cape Town Civic Centre, Concourse Level, Second Floor
Time: 10:30 – 12:30
Exhibiting organisations:
• Western Cape Government: Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism
• Public Protector of South Africa (PPSA)
• Public Service Commission (PSC)
• Western Cape Police Ombudsman (WCPO)
• Office of the Consumer Protector (OCP)
• Community Schemes Ombud Services (CSOS)
• National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO)
• Joburg Ombudsman
City departments:
• Office of the City Ombudsman
• Revenue, Debtors and Cash Central
• Recreation and Parks
• Energy Generation and Distribution
• Water and Sanitation
Residents are encouraged to please bring along their ID and proof of correspondence or C3 notification if they need assistance.
Any queries may be directed to the office on 021 400 1944, 021 400 5487 or ombudsadvocacy@capetown.gov.za
The Office of the Ombudsman is also available to assist City staff and members of the public with all last resort municipal-related complaints (complaints that have gone through the City service channels prior to approaching the Ombud) via the telephone, SMS and online option as below:
• SMS: 44781 (Standard Rates Apply)
• Tel: 021 400 5487/1944
• Fax: 021 4005952
• Email: ombudsdirect@capetown.gov.za
• Website: http://www.capetown.gov.za/
Nature of complaints
· If a member of the public has lodged an enquiry or complaint about service delivery with a City department and an insufficient or no response has been received, the City Ombud may be contacted to investigate the matter.
· It is required that one must first approach the relevant City department and provide proof of the exchange before approaching the Ombudsman.
Please always describe the complaint in detail, including the name/s of the official/s involved, what happened and any relevant dates and times. Please always include any relevant documentation or evidence. The Ombudsman’s Office will assess the complaint to determine whether the office can assist or whether to direct the complainant to the appropriate department or institution.
The office follows the Ombudsman By-law (2015). It functions with independence, credibility and impartiality. It is against the law and South African Constitution to interfere in the business, powers and functions of this office.
There are many City complaint channels available to members of the public, depending on the nature of the complaint.
The Ombudsman does not investigate the following complaints, as there are other complaint channels for these:
· Any legislative or executive decisions by the Council, any of its portfolio committees or subcouncils;
· Any matter involving an allegation of fraud, corruption or corporate crime as referred to in the City’s Fraud Prevention Policy;
· Any matter or dispute which must be dealt with or settled within the field of labour law;
· Any allegation relating to financial irregularities;
· Any cases where the complainant has not reported the matter to the line department as a first port of call;
· Any alleged irregular conduct of a councillor;
· Any complaint which is vexatious or frivolous;
· Any tender-related matter; and
· Administrative appeals.
