The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) is making strides toward improving governance, accountability, and harmony within South Africa’s growing residential community schemes. As the country experiences a surge in gated communities, sectional titles, and homeowners’ associations, the role of CSOS has never been more vital.
Established under the Department of Human Settlements, CSOS exists to promote peaceful coexistence and fairness within shared living environments, from apartment blocks and estates to retirement villages and mixed-use complexes. Chief Acting Ombudsman Lesiba Seshoka, recently shared insights on the organisation’s mandate.
“Our work is rooted in promoting good governance and resolving disputes within community schemes,” Seshoka explained. “We are the regulatory authority for residential schemes, ensuring that all rules and governance documents comply with the law and respect the rights of residents.”
At its core, CSOS provides dispute resolution services, offering residents, trustees, and managing agents a structured platform to address issues ranging from financial mismanagement to neighbourly disputes. Complaints can be lodged easily through the CSOS Connect online portal, which provides feedback and tracks progress toward resolution.
In addition to its adjudication function, CSOS also acts as the custodian of all scheme documentation, approving rules and constitutions to ensure they align with the organisation’s mandate of fairness and transparency. The agency also invests heavily in training and education for trustees and managing agents to strengthen governance and compliance at scheme level.
This October, CSOS will host its third annual Indaba, set to take place from 23–24 October at the Riversands Incubation Hub in Fourways, Johannesburg. The event will bring together a wide array of stakeholders, including trustees, managing agents, policymakers, and industry leaders, for in-depth discussions on governance, sustainability, technology, and financial management within community schemes.
“This Indaba is an opportunity to reflect, engage, and find solutions to the challenges facing community schemes,” said Seshoka. “We will be unpacking practice directives, addressing transformation issues, and clarifying the rights of schemes and individuals when adjudication outcomes are contested.”
The two-day event will also feature high-level participation from the Minister of Human Settlements, Honourable Thembi Simelane, and the CSOS Board, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency and inclusivity of community scheme management across South Africa.
While the Indaba will take place in Gauteng, CSOS maintains a strong provincial presence, including two offices in KwaZulu-Natal, one regional office in Durban and a satellite office in Ballito. However, Seshoka noted that stakeholders increasingly prefer the convenience of digital interaction.
As more South Africans embrace shared living, the need for clear governance frameworks and accessible dispute mechanisms becomes ever more critical. CSOS continues to serve as a bridge between legislation and everyday community life, fostering balance between residents’ rights and collective responsibilities.
Through initiatives like the annual Indaba, CSOS is not only promoting transparency and dialogue but also shaping the future of community living in South Africa, one that prioritises accountability, inclusivity, and harmony.
