In a remarkable development, the former Head of the Department of Public Works in the North West, Obakeng Mongale, faced the Mahikeng Magistrates Court on allegations of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The case revolves around the alleged irregular awarding of a staggering R470 million tender for the construction of Brits Hospital in 2008 to companies that reportedly did not meet the required standards.
Mongale, a renowned academic with a history at the esteemed North-West University, was a lecturer before taking up the high-ranking role at Public Works. He is currently employed as a Superintendent General at the Provincial Department of Health. This seasoned figure in the academic and governmental sectors handed himself over to the authorities in the morning of Wednesday last week, concerning a scandal where investigations revealed that the awarded companies did not fulfil requirements for the hospital construction.
Terminating the contract and subsequent appointment of a new contractor led to over R57 million in expenses by the department, with additional costs exceeding R4 million for remedial work. After appearing in court Mongale was granted bail set at R50 000. The Magistrate ordered him to surrender his passport, refrain from contacting state witnesses and to notify the investigating officer before leaving the North West Province. Mongale's status as a high-ranking official in the Department of Health emphasises the gravity of the situation, shedding light on the alleged financial mismanagement during his tenure at the Department of Public Works.
The case continues to unveil intricate details surrounding the handling of public funds and the decisions made in executing critical projects under his watch. On Monday, the MEC for the health Department in the province, Madoda Sambatha issued a media statement confirming his decision to put Mongale, the current Superintendent General in the department on special leave of absence.
“While the SG handed himself over to the police on the 3rd November 2023, he has protested his innocence and it is only fair that he should be given space and time to deal with the allegations. I have therefore granted him a special leave of absence,” stated Sambatha. The MEC has also confirmed the appointment of the Chief Director for Corporate Services, Dr. Madipuo Tlhogane as the Acting Superintendent General for the period of the special leave of absence of the substantive SG.
The office of the Premier, on Tuesday also issued a media statement regarding the matter. The statement further read as thus: “The Office of the Premier as the appointing authority of Heads of Departments has authorised MEC Sambatha to approve the request of a special leave for Mr. Mongale,” it read. The Acting Premier, Nono Maloyi has requested a detailed report from the MEC in order to make a full determination on the way forward. The case has been postponed to 31 January 2024.
