The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) is established in terms of the Community Scheme Ombud Service Act, 2011 [Act 9 of 2011) to regulate the conduct of parties within community schemes and to ensure their good governance. It came into operation on the 7th of October 2016.

In order to deliver on its mandate, key amongst the priorities of the organisation are:

• To establish a world-class dispute resolution service within community schemes characterised by organisational excellence and a conducive organisational culture;
• To promote good governance of community schemes by developing and implementing appropriate guidelines to enhance stability and harmonious relations amongst the parties;
• To rollout massive educational campaigns to educate and train stakeholders within community schemes and the public at large;
• To enhance community schemes’ tenure as alternative tenure option and
• To develop and implement appropriate organisational systems, controls and measures to enhance financial, economic and organisational efficiency.

It is a schedule 3A public entity that reports to the Minister of Human Settlements.