Rustenburg – North West Premier Bushy Maape has reinstated Obakeng Mongale as the head of department (HOD) for the province’s Department of Health.
Mongale was placed on special leave in October 2023, following his appearance in court on charges related to his previous duties as HOD at the Department of Public Works.
Mongale was, however, expected to resume his duties today, (Monday 8 January 2024).
“The special leave granted under such circumstances is prescribed to last for 60 days, and may be extended if there are exceptional circumstances supporting such an extension,” Sello Tatai,
Premier Maape’s spokesperson, said on Monday.
Tatai said following extensive consultation and obtaining legal advice, Maape has determined that there were 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,” Tatai said.
“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.”
Tatai said Premier Maape also thanked Health MEC Madoda Sambatha for “his leadership and guidance during this unprecedented development in the department”.
He said all necessary arrangements have been made to allow for a smooth handover process as Mongale resumes his duties.
“The office of the Premier will continue to monitor the situation in the department (of health), and inform the public of any further decision if any new developments arise,” Tatai said.
“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.”
Tatai said the office of the premier had obtained sufficient information linked to Mongale’s case and could assure the public that there was 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,” Tatai said.
