Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Dirk Kotze and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung has submitted a comprehensive set of Rule 38 written questions to the City Manager, Mr Sello More, seeking urgent clarity on how he intends to safeguard the independence, security, and credibility of the newly announced Ombudsman’s Office.
We welcome the establishment of this office, which has the potential to restore accountability and administrative justice in Mangaung. However, such an office can only function effectively if it operates without political interference or administrative manipulation.
This comes as the Ombudsman’s Office has already begun with its first round of engagement workshops with various municipal directorates. While these workshops are necessary to clarify processes and build working relationships, they also underscore the urgent need for clear safeguards to prevent internal structures from exerting undue influence on the Ombudsman’s operational independence.
Our questions to the City Manager focus on four critical areas:
- Independence from political and administrative influence.
- Security of the office, its staff, and sensitive case information.
- Proper staffing, qualifications, and conflict-of-interest safeguards.
- Clear operational procedures for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints
Among the key questions raised are:
- What measures will be implemented to protect the Ombudsman from political interference, intimidation, or unauthorised access to investigations?
- Will the Ombudsman be housed in a physically secure, access-controlled location separate from the administration?
- What Information Technology (IT) security protocols, such as encrypted communication, protected servers, and secure evidence storage, will be put in place to guarantee confidentiality?
- Will the Ombudsman’s Office have its own cost centre to prevent financial manipulation or executive interference?
- What qualifications and backgrounds do the support staff possess, and do any of them face conflicts of interest?
- What step-by-step procedures will be followed when residents submit complaints, and what turnaround times should the public expect?
- When will the permanent Ombudsman position be formally advertised, and what budget has been allocated for 2025/26?
The people of Mangaung deserve an Ombudsman’s Office that is transparent, professional, and fully insulated from political or administrative pressure. The DA will not allow this institution to become another box-ticking exercise or a political tool.
We call on the City Manager to respond comprehensively and honestly. Mangaung residents must have confidence that their complaints will be heard fairly, investigated thoroughly, and resolved without fear or favour.
The DA will continue to fight for accountability and good governance in Mangaung.