In late October 2023, the Head of Department of Health Mr Obakeng Mongale was placed on special leave following his appearance in court over matters connected to his previous duties as Head of the Department of Public Works.
The special leave granted under such circumstances is prescribed to last for sixty (60) days, and may be extended if there are exceptional circumstances supporting such an extension.
After extensive consultation and obtaining legal advice, Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has determined that there are no valid exceptional legal reasons to extend the special leave of the HOD.
As a consequence, HOD Mongale will resume his duties with effect from Monday, 08 January 2024.
Premier Maape takes this opportunity to thank Dr Mmadipuo Tlhogane who acted as Superintendent General and Head of Department and kept the Department focused on its service delivery mandate whilst Mr. Mongale was on special leave.
Premier Maape will also like to extend his gratitude to MEC Madoda Sambatha for his leadership and guidance during this unprecedented development in the department.
All necessary arrangements have been made to allow for a smooth handover process as the substantive SG resumes his duties.
The office of the Premier will continue to monitor the situation in the department, and inform the public of any further decision if any new developments arise.
The return of HOD Mongale from special leave does not stop the ongoing work by the office of the Premier to interrogate all documentation and reports linked to the case he is facing.
The office has obtained sufficient information linked to the case of the HOD and can assure the public that there is no risk of interference with the case.
Once the team in the office of the Premier concludes its assessment, the Premier will consider any further recommendations regarding the future of the HOD, and inform the public accordingly.
Obakeng Eden Mongale, is accused of contravening Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999, while he was still the HOD for Department of Public Works.
It is alleged that in 2008, Mongale awarded IIima Projects and Tsoga Developers a tender of over R470-million to construct Brits hospital. Investigations by Serious Commercial Crime Investigation revealed that the two companies were awarded the tender without meeting requirements.
Mongale, was released on R50 000 bail and his case will resume on the January 31 2024 .