The Office of the Military Ombud was established in 2012 in terms of the Military Ombud Act 4 of 2012 to investigate complaints by members, former members which may be represented in lodging a complaint as well as family member(s) on behalf of a member of the SANDF, in respect of their conditions of service. Members of the public may also lodge a complaint regarding the official conduct of a member of the SANDF. The Office functions independently from the SANDF.