The Ombudsman Association of South Africa (TOASA) provides a platform for ombudsman schemes to share experiences, promulgate best practices, and promote awareness of the ombudsman concept amongst all stakeholders.
Our members operate across both the public and private sectors; regardless of their precise constitution, they are all approved or recognised by statute, and all are answerable to Parliament or Councils or Boards. TOASA members also offer assistance and information to entities wishing to establish ombudsman schemes.
Funding sources vary by ombudsman scheme but are typically one of the following:
Where funding is sourced from participants in a particular ombudsman scheme, the scheme will be structured in such a way that no influence is derived from being a source of funds.
The Ombudsman Association of South Africa (TOASA) is an independent, non-profit organisation.
We are a body corporate with our own legal identity which is separate from individual member ombudsman schemes. Changes in the membership of TOASA will not change the rationale behind the Association, nor its role. The Association may own property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name.
Facilitate the exchange of information and experience between ombudsman schemes, and to encourage the professional development of member schemes.
Develop best practices and ethics and ensure that these are adopted and adhered to by member schemes.
Formulate guidelines for the qualifications necessary for appointment to the position of ombudsman.
Support the autonomy and independence of members and encourage mutual understanding and assistance by and between members.
Implement and operate educational programmes for ombud schemes, their staff and other stakeholders.
Promote an awareness of the existence of the respective ombudsman schemes and create an understanding of the function of an ombudsman.
Promote the practice and use of alternative dispute resolution.
Collaborate with other organisations which work in related or similar fields where this would not compromise the Association’s purposes or autonomy.
Facilitate or organise ombud scheme meetings and conferences.
Undertake such other matters as are necessary to further the objectives of the Association.
Our committee members are chosen from among senior leaders in each of our member ombudsman schemes. They bring a diverse wealth of relevant experience and expertise to TOASA, and we are ideally placed to engage with our members.
General Enquiries
info@toasa.org.za
Advancing fairness through united action: A call to join the TOASA movement.
As part of their commitment to transparency and accountability, each TOASA member publishes an annual report in addition to other publications.
These consumer bodies are not necessarily ombud schemes; nor are they members of TOASA. They do however provide specialist consumer assistance and protection services and solutions.