OC
Ombudsman CGSO
Verified Business
OC
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Ombudsman CGSO receives sharply divided feedback from consumers seeking dispute resolution. Satisfied consumers consistently mention successful interventions against retailers and suppliers, praising specific adjudicators for professionalism, friendliness and securing refunds or replacements. However, a recurring theme among dissatisfied consumers is poor communication, with complainants describing unanswered emails, missed callbacks, prolonged investigations stretching well beyond stated timeframes, and a perceived lack of urgency. Several reviewers express frustration that cases drift without status updates, leaving them feeling stranded between the ombud and the offending supplier.
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
3.8
Ranking
#2
in Government & Ombudsman Services
NPS Score
-34
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
2.2|20 Reviews
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Recent reviews (20)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceA
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 May 2026, 12:48
Unsatisfactory service
I am writing to formally raise my concern regarding the manner in which my complaints have been handled by your office. On 18 February 2026, I lodged a complaint under reference number 202602-0182191. Despite following the proper process, I had to repeatedly call your office for feedback. Each time, I was informed that the person handling my case was unavailable, often “on lunch,” and no one returned my calls. I also lodged another complaint under reference number 202602-0182278, which was not successful. The adjudicator, Penelope, referred me to the National Consumer Commission. Unfortunately, I struggled to register and log in to their system. When I contacted the Commission directly, I was told that my registration was visible on their side and that I should wait for an email confirming successful registration. To date, I have not received any such confirmation. This experience leaves me questioning the effectiveness of lodging complaints through CGSO. The process feels unresponsive and ultimately provides no resolution to consumers who rely on your office for assistance. I respectfully request that CGSO review the handling of my complaints, provide me with clear feedback on the above references, and ensure that consumers are not left without solutions after following the prescribed process.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 May 2026, 12:48
Unsatisfactory service
I am writing to formally raise my concern regarding the manner in which my complaints have been handled by your office. On 18 February 2026, I lodged a complaint under reference number 202602-0182191. Despite following the proper process, I had to repeatedly call your office for feedback. Each time, I was informed that the person handling my case was unavailable, often “on lunch,” and no one returned my calls. I also lodged another complaint under reference number 202602-0182278, which was not successful. The adjudicator, Penelope, referred me to the National Consumer Commission. Unfortunately, I struggled to register and log in to their system. When I contacted the Commission directly, I was told that my registration was visible on their side and that I should wait for an email confirming successful registration. To date, I have not received any such confirmation. This experience leaves me questioning the effectiveness of lodging complaints through CGSO. The process feels unresponsive and ultimately provides no resolution to consumers who rely on your office for assistance. I respectfully request that CGSO review the handling of my complaints, provide me with clear feedback on the above references, and ensure that consumers are not left without solutions after following the prescribed process.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 May 2026, 14:39
The worst and suspicious service i received from Bonita Hughes 14 April 2025
The worst and suspicious service i received from Bonita Hughes 14 April 2025 The storage company had lien over my goods but they auctioned my goods and no documentation for my goods and sold everything to recover a small amount of 5K and Bonita feels that is right and they even took my personal documentation.my goods had a value of 50K and i didnt even recein the rest of the difference after the auction.Which law allows storage companies to sell everything to recover small amounts.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 May 2026, 14:39
The worst and suspicious service i received from Bonita Hughes 14 April 2025
The worst and suspicious service i received from Bonita Hughes 14 April 2025 The storage company had lien over my goods but they auctioned my goods and no documentation for my goods and sold everything to recover a small amount of 5K and Bonita feels that is right and they even took my personal documentation.my goods had a value of 50K and i didnt even recein the rest of the difference after the auction.Which law allows storage companies to sell everything to recover small amounts.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 May 2026, 10:03
CGSO FAILED TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER AGAINST MAKRO & SAMSUNG
I trusted the Consumer Goods & Services Ombud (CGSO) to protect consumers and ensure fairness. Instead, my experience has left me completely shocked and deeply disappointed. I lodged a complaint regarding a Samsung TV that developed the SAME fault again after supposedly being repaired under warranty through Makro. Rather than enforcing accountability and protecting the consumer, the CGSO appears to have shifted pressure onto me instead. I repeatedly requested: * An inspection at my premises by an AUTHORIZED Samsung technician, * A proper technical assessment, * And a report confirming whether this is the same recurring defect. Instead of ensuring this happens, I was informed in writing that if I insist on an on-site inspection, Makro “may refuse to further assist” with my matter. Read that again carefully. A consumer protection body effectively warning the CONSUMER that the supplier may stop assisting if the consumer insists on a proper inspection. How is this acceptable? How is this protecting consumers? This matter has been filled with: * Endless delays, * Contradictory communication, * Reference number changes, * Lack of transparency, * And what feels like complete unwillingness to hold Makro and Samsung accountable. At this point I seriously question whether the CGSO is truly acting independently or whether consumers are simply being pressured into accepting poor treatment from large corporations. South African consumers are already fighting hard enough against retailers and manufacturers. The Ombud is supposed to level the playing field — not make consumers feel abandoned and intimidated. I expected fairness. I expected accountability. I expected consumer protection. Instead I feel completely failed by the very system designed to help consumers. Case Ref: 202604-0187172
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 May 2026, 10:03
CGSO FAILED TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER AGAINST MAKRO & SAMSUNG
I trusted the Consumer Goods & Services Ombud (CGSO) to protect consumers and ensure fairness. Instead, my experience has left me completely shocked and deeply disappointed. I lodged a complaint regarding a Samsung TV that developed the SAME fault again after supposedly being repaired under warranty through Makro. Rather than enforcing accountability and protecting the consumer, the CGSO appears to have shifted pressure onto me instead. I repeatedly requested: * An inspection at my premises by an AUTHORIZED Samsung technician, * A proper technical assessment, * And a report confirming whether this is the same recurring defect. Instead of ensuring this happens, I was informed in writing that if I insist on an on-site inspection, Makro “may refuse to further assist” with my matter. Read that again carefully. A consumer protection body effectively warning the CONSUMER that the supplier may stop assisting if the consumer insists on a proper inspection. How is this acceptable? How is this protecting consumers? This matter has been filled with: * Endless delays, * Contradictory communication, * Reference number changes, * Lack of transparency, * And what feels like complete unwillingness to hold Makro and Samsung accountable. At this point I seriously question whether the CGSO is truly acting independently or whether consumers are simply being pressured into accepting poor treatment from large corporations. South African consumers are already fighting hard enough against retailers and manufacturers. The Ombud is supposed to level the playing field — not make consumers feel abandoned and intimidated. I expected fairness. I expected accountability. I expected consumer protection. Instead I feel completely failed by the very system designed to help consumers. Case Ref: 202604-0187172
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Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
15 May 2026, 10:10
PATHETIC TO BE REPORTING AN INSTITUTE THAT WE REPORT TO DUE THEM BEING TO LAZY TO DO THEIR JOBS!
I really didn't think I would be reporting a complain again a body that I should report a claim to, but here we are. I reported a matter to the CGSO in February and it was being handed by an individual by the name of Sitsula. I kept asking for updates and had received absolutely no feedback or updates. Eventually today, I received an email and sms stating that they could not get a hold of the company i reported a claim against so they are closing the matter. I very much doubt this story as my claim was against the LAM airlines who is very much still in operation, which leads me to believe that either no or very poor attempts were made to get in contact with them. This is back up by the fact that i received no update or feedback on any attempts, despite my follow ups. What upsets me is not that this was not resolved in my favor, its the fact that it was not resolved at all. If the CGSO could hove shown me that they had tried and involved me in the process i would have been satisfied. Do tell me what is the point of CGSO?
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
15 May 2026, 10:10
PATHETIC TO BE REPORTING AN INSTITUTE THAT WE REPORT TO DUE THEM BEING TO LAZY TO DO THEIR JOBS!
I really didn't think I would be reporting a complain again a body that I should report a claim to, but here we are. I reported a matter to the CGSO in February and it was being handed by an individual by the name of Sitsula. I kept asking for updates and had received absolutely no feedback or updates. Eventually today, I received an email and sms stating that they could not get a hold of the company i reported a claim against so they are closing the matter. I very much doubt this story as my claim was against the LAM airlines who is very much still in operation, which leads me to believe that either no or very poor attempts were made to get in contact with them. This is back up by the fact that i received no update or feedback on any attempts, despite my follow ups. What upsets me is not that this was not resolved in my favor, its the fact that it was not resolved at all. If the CGSO could hove shown me that they had tried and involved me in the process i would have been satisfied. Do tell me what is the point of CGSO?
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
24 Mar 2026, 00:36
Best and reliable service ever
I am beyond words, you guys are amazing, you really helped with my issue, with mtn, I received excellent service, finally my device was unlocked, and m now enjoying it, continue doing the good you are doing, for us consumers
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
24 Mar 2026, 00:36
Best and reliable service ever
I am beyond words, you guys are amazing, you really helped with my issue, with mtn, I received excellent service, finally my device was unlocked, and m now enjoying it, continue doing the good you are doing, for us consumers
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Mar 2026, 14:13
Extremely Dissatisfied with CGSO Case Handling — Reference 202601-0179454
I wish to express my disappointment with the manner in which my case (Reference 202601-0179454) has been handled by the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud. I lodged a complaint against Hisense on 15 January 2026 regarding a faulty washing machine. On 13 February 2026, a technician was sent to my home to inspect the appliance. Since then, 64 days have passed without any update or feedback from the adjudicator assigned to my case.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Mar 2026, 14:13
Extremely Dissatisfied with CGSO Case Handling — Reference 202601-0179454
I wish to express my disappointment with the manner in which my case (Reference 202601-0179454) has been handled by the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud. I lodged a complaint against Hisense on 15 January 2026 regarding a faulty washing machine. On 13 February 2026, a technician was sent to my home to inspect the appliance. Since then, 64 days have passed without any update or feedback from the adjudicator assigned to my case.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Mar 2026, 20:04
Consumer ombudsman
Really disappointed in the service. They clearly do not care about consumers. I reported my Samsung TV issue to them and they have not returned my calls or emails. And now Samsumg refuses to communicate with me as they say they have already communicated with the ombudsman. I contacted the ombudsman hoping for a solution but now more than before am I left stranded and without answers. My TV is still not fixed. And my issue with Samsung remains unresolved.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Mar 2026, 20:04
Consumer ombudsman
Really disappointed in the service. They clearly do not care about consumers. I reported my Samsung TV issue to them and they have not returned my calls or emails. And now Samsumg refuses to communicate with me as they say they have already communicated with the ombudsman. I contacted the ombudsman hoping for a solution but now more than before am I left stranded and without answers. My TV is still not fixed. And my issue with Samsung remains unresolved.
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