The Ombuds Blog: University of Cape Town Ombuds Hosts Regional Workshop

December 02, 2013

University of Cape Town Ombuds Hosts Regional Workshop

On November 1, 2013, UTC Ombud, Zetu Makamandela-Mguqulwa hosted a day-long conference on Ombudsing in Southern Africa. The event also offered its host the chance to recap her time as UTC's first Ombuds. As one of the few University Ombuds in the region, Makamandela-Mguqulwa faced a steep learning curve. "It's been a source of immense learning to us as we travelled this three-year journey," she said.

Guest speakers, including Mahlubi Mabizela, South Africa's Chief Director of the Department of Higher Education and Training's University Education Policy & Development Support, and UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price, commented on the important role of Ombuds in tertiary education. Camilo Azcarate and Doris Campos-Infantino were invited to discuss Ombuds skills on behalf of the International Ombudsman Association. The workshop was also attended by Prof Bernard Lategan, Ombud at the University of Stellenbosch. (UTC Daily News; Workshop Agenda.)

1 comment:

Tom Kosakowski12/03/2013 10:39 AM
Post was updated 12/2/13 to include a reference to Camilo Azcarate.
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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Austria -- Ombudsstelle

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany -- Ombudspersonen

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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