North West health department boss Obakeng Mongale, who faces corruption charges for the irregular awarding of tenders, has been granted a leave of absence, pending the finalisation of his court case. 

On Thursday, he appeared in the Mahikeng Magistrate's Court for allegedly contravening the Public Finance Management Act after he handed himself over to the police.

Mongale was released on R50 000 bail.

It was reported he allegedly led a corrupt R470 million hospital building project when he headed the North West Department of Public Works.

On Monday, Health MEC Madoda Sambatha said giving Mongale special leave of absence would assist the department in seeking legal counsel.

"Even though he handed himself over to the police, he has protested his innocence.

"It is only fair that he should be given space and time to deal with the allegations," he added.

Sambatha said he had appointed the chief director for corporate services, Dr Madipuo Tlhogane, as acting superintendent general.

It is alleged in 2008, Mongale awarded a tender to Ilima Projects and Tsoga Developments as well as two other companies that did not meet bid requirements to develop the Brits District Hospital. 

One company was in the process of being liquidated.

As a result, the hospital was opened six years later.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) in the North West said it was concerned the head of the health department was implicated in a questionable tendering process. 

Denosa's provincial secretary, Reuben Molete, added having a head of department implicated in tender irregularities compromised their position as a leader.

"While the matter is not related to the Department of Health in the province, and he is innocent until proven guilty by the court, Denosa is extremely concerned that a head of the department is implicated in a questionable tendering process." 

Molete said because of the nature of its business, the department was often involved in procurement irregularities, so much so a person heading the department should be beyond reproach.

"We urge the department to act swiftly and decisively on the matter," he added.