North West Health head Dr Thabo Lekalakala may return to work despite the fact that investigations into his conduct and R180m irregularities in his department are pending, reports Beeld.
Lekalakala was placed on special leave in March before being suspended and eventually being placed back on special leave pending the investigations. He challenged the decision about his special leave in the CCMA, which has now ordered that he may return to work.
A departmental spokesperson said the CCMA matter concerned only the merits of Lekalakala’s special leave and not the merits of the investigations. “The investigation and the department’s disciplinary process against Lekalakala continue. He is accused of procurement irregularities and misrepresentation of facts.”
The report says it was earlier reported that Lekalakala signed the three-year R180m mobile clinic contract with Gupta-linked company Mediosa three days after an internal legal opinion advised him against doing so. According to the report, Lekalakala has denied any wrongdoing.
[link url="https://www.netwerk24.com/Nuus/Politiek/omstrede-nw-gesondheidshoof-kan-terugkeer-werk-toe-20181114"]Beeld report[/link]