Johannesburg - Public Protector Thuli Madonsela officially opened the two-day African Ombuds Summit in Kempton Park on the East Rand on Tuesday.
The summit is being attended by dozens of delegates from around 30 African countries, mainly ombuds from these nations.
Also attending are watchdog institutions and members of some political parties, as well as delegates from the African Union.
“We are gathered here through our fate,” said Madonsela.
The African continent had decided to leave behind the “path of darkness” which had previously overshadowed it.
“Your presence at this summit is attributed to your commitment to the continent as it tries to strengthen itself,” said Madonsela.
Africa was moving away from being seen as a land of hunger, war, instability, greed and plundering of resources, she said.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng was expected to deliver the main address.
An ombud is a person appointed to investigate complaints within particular industries or organisations. - Sapa