This is according to Departmental spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane. He was reacting to the news of the newly appointed Head of the department, Obakeng Mongale, after the departure of the disgraced Thabo Lekalakala, who is currently facing charges of fraud and corruption in the North West High Court.

The position has been vacant since Lekalakala's departure in January 2020 following disciplinary action against him on charges of misconduct in relation to the multimillion-rand Gupta Linked Mediosa company scandal.

Lekgethwane says the office of the Premier, Job Mokgoro, has looked into the guidelines that regulate public services appointees.

The department has been placed under administration in terms of Section 100 1b since 2018 following claims of massive looting and corruption.

Meanwhile, Jeanette Hunter, who has been acting as an administrator, has been in charge of the administrative matters of the Department while at the same time overseeing the process of filling the HOD position.

In a statement, Hunter says “filling the position of the HOD for Health has been one of the critical milestones that we just achieved with the appointment of Mr Mongale,”.

OFM News