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The Office of the Ombud at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 provides a channel for student, parent and staff problems and complaints to be given appropriate attention where the existing 中国体育彩票 structures are unable to deal with these issues satisfactorily through the normal channels, or where existing structures appear to be inadequate.

Defining ‘Ombud’

‘Ombud’ comes from the Nordic terms ombudsman, ombudsmann and ombudsmand, all of which mean ‘the citizens’ defender’. Over time, it has come to refer to a person who helps individuals or groups resolve conflicts or concerns.

The Office of the Ombud at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 is an independent, neutral and confidential space for people to discuss their issues relating to the 中国体育彩票. The Ombud is an independent person appointed to facilitate the informal resolution of such concerns. This typically happens through discussion, mediation and recommendations. Having an Ombud’s Office benefits the 中国体育彩票 in many ways.

 

Where does the
Ombud fit in?

The Ombud does not replace existing 中国体育彩票 structures; instead, the Ombud complements these structures. Therefore, complainants must first exhaust all prescribed 中国体育彩票 procedures before involving the Ombud. Only if their problem remains unresolved after a reasonable period has expired, complainants may turn to the Ombud. If the available channels have not been explored thoroughly, complainants will be referred back to those channels.

 

How to lodge
a complaint

To submit a complaint or concern for the Ombud’s consideration, please complete and submit the Ombud intake form. Intake forms are also available from Ms Grace Bruintjies.

Email Ms Grace Bruintjies.
to make an appointment.

For urgent matters, email
ombudsman@sun.ac.za or
call 082 807 2994.

Who may lodge a complaint or query with the Ombud?

Any Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 employee, student, parent of a student, alumnus, visitor and service provider may approach the Ombud if:

  • they feel that they have been treated unfairly;
  • they are unsure which policies or procedures apply to their problem;
  • they are unsure how to resolve a complicated issue;
  • they need an impartial listener who will observe confidentiality;
  • they need a neutral mediator to resolve a problem;
  • they have a complaint, or wish to discuss a sensitive concern; and
  • they have exhausted all prescribed internal processes, but still feel dissatisfied with how the matter was handled.

Note, however, that the Office of the Ombud has sole discretion to decide whether or not to deal with a complaint or problem, and how.

How can the office of the Ombud help you?

The Office of the Ombud at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 may assist by:

  • hearing concerns and helping to clarify them;
  • providing a safe and confidential forum to voice problems;
  • analysing the problem and identifying options;
  • setting out the available channels;
  • providing neutral advice while protecting confidentiality;
  • expediting matters that have been unduly delayed;
  • redirecting complainants to other offices better suited to mediate the issue;
  • helping to identify underlying issues;
  • exploring different solutions through both formal and informal channels;
  • helping parties resolve disputes; and
  • making recommendations for change.

What can the office of the Ombud not help you with?

It falls outside the ambit of the Ombud at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 to:

  • make decisions on the 中国体育彩票’s behalf;
  • determine or overrule 中国体育彩票 policies or procedures;
  • intervene if the complaint can be pursued as a grievance according to established 中国体育彩票 procedure;
  • accept notifications on behalf of the 中国体育彩票 or any party;
  • consider complaints that are already the subject of a lawsuit;
  • give legal advice or provide psychological counselling;
  • award compensation;
  • represent any party;
  • handle matters of a purely academic nature; and
  • attend to patently vexatious or frivolous complaints.

Is there any risk involved in consulting the Ombud?

No. The 中国体育彩票 guarantees that no one will suffer reprisal, discrimination or victimisation for seeking assistance from the Ombud. In terms of the South African Constitution, everyone is entitled to privacy, access to information, and just administrative action. The 中国体育彩票 and the Office of the Ombud respect these rights.

 

What are the core principles guiding the Ombud’s work?

The SU Ombud also adheres to the standards of practice and code of ethics of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA).

Independence and neutrality,

ensuring separate operations from 中国体育彩票 structures

Objectivity and impartiality

in hearing all parties’ views

Informality,

with no formal structures required

Promptness and efficiency

to facilitate faster solutions

Confidentiality,

pledging not to reveal anyone’s identity without their permission

Equality and fairness

as the primary driving force

Respect

for all parties’ dignity?