Join us for a Thought-Provoking Webinar on Financial, Health, and Legal Ombudsman Services

We are pleased to invite you to an insightful webinar that will delve into the critical roles of Financial, Health, and Legal Ombudsman offices. This session, aimed at improving sector-specific accountability, transparency, and trust, will feature a distinguished panel of experts who will share their valuable insights and experiences.

Date: Thursday, 14 May 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (SAST)
Duration: 2 hours
Platform: Zoom Click HERE to RSVP

About the Webinar

Specialised Ombudsman offices play an essential role in ensuring accountability, resolving disputes, and protecting citizens' rights in various sectors. The webinar will focus on how these Ombudsman offices enhance trust and fairness in the Financial, Health, and Legal sectors by handling complaints, recommending systemic reforms, and promoting ethical practices.

With a primary goal of showcasing the contributions of these specialised offices, the session will provide a unique opportunity for participants to exchange knowledge and best practices. Experts from the Ombudsman field will discuss operational strategies, complaint handling processes, regulatory coordination, and innovative approaches to overcoming sector-specific challenges.

Why Attend?

This webinar will provide:

• Insights into the role and mandate of Financial, Health, and Legal Ombudsman offices in South Africa.

• Strategies and practices to improve complaint resolution and sector accountability.

• A platform for learning and sharing knowledge about the regulation and coordination between Ombudsman offices and stakeholders.

• Opportunities to hear from industry leaders who will discuss the ways these offices safeguard rights and ensure fairness.

Key Speakers

The session will feature esteemed thought leaders in the Ombudsman space:

• Ms. Reana Steyn - Head Ombud and CEO of the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO South Africa) 🌟
  Ms. Steyn brings her wealth of experience from various Ombud roles, including the Ombud for Banking Services (OBS) and the Credit Ombud.
  Appointment Date: 9 April 2024

• Professor Taole Mokoena - Health Ombud 🩺
  A retired professor and former head of surgery at the University of Pretoria, Prof. Mokoena will share his insights on protecting patient rights and improving healthcare delivery.

• Ms. Munira Balim - Acting Senior Manager, Legal Services Ombud ⚖️
  With a legal career spanning over three decades, Ms. Balim will discuss her extensive work in the legal sector and how the Ombudsman can enhance justice and accountability.

• Ms. Zetu Makamandela-Mguqulwa - Director of Mindshift Consultancy & Africa Regional Chairperson of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) 🌍
  Zetu is renowned for her expertise in establishing Ombudsman functions in complex environments and her focus on promoting institutional accountability.
  Award Recipient: 2025 IOA Presidential Award for Excellence in Ombudsing & 2024 Trailblazer Award

Webinar Topics

• The Role of Financial Ombudsman Offices: Learn about the newly established National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO South Africa) and how it consolidates multiple financial sector Ombudsman roles.

• Protecting Patient Rights through the Health Ombudsman: Understand the importance of monitoring healthcare delivery and addressing systemic issues to protect the rights of patients.

• The Legal Ombudsman’s Contribution to Justice: Hear how the Legal Ombudsman works to ensure accountability and transparency in legal practices.

How to Participate

• Register for the webinar by clicking HERE.

• Submit any questions you may have to Franky Lwelela (FrankyAorc@pprotect.org) or Marion Adonis (MarionAorc@pprotect.org) by 10:00 AM on Monday, 12 May 2025, or use the Q&A function during the webinar.

• Please note, there will be no live Q&A session, but time will be allocated for answering questions raised before and during the webinar. If there is insufficient time to address all queries, the questions and responses will be posted on our website, www.aoma.ukzn.ac.za.

Language Availability

The session will be held in English, with simultaneous interpretation available in French, Portuguese, and Arabic.

We hope you can join us for this informative and engaging session, as we explore how specialised Ombudsman offices are enhancing accountability and trust in critical sectors.

Register Today!

We look forward to your participation

- Invit_Showcasing Banking, Health, and Legal Ombuds.