A mayor and ANC leader in North West is facing criminal charges after he allegedly ordered his managers to cut budgets for water and other projects to fund a year-long R8,7-million soccer excursion to Brazil for a group of under-15 players. 
The Cosatu-affiliated SA Municipal Workers' Union has instituted fraud and corruption charges against Themba Gwabeni, an ANC provincial executive member and mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality, because he allegedly authorised the trip without following proper procedures.
This comes after the executive council of Gwabeni's municipality sacked its municipal manager, Tshepiso Ramphele, for apparently refusing to authorise the payment of R8,7-million for the trip.
The union wants the 18 teenagers, who flew to Brazil on January 17 and are staying at a Brazilian soccer academy for 14 months, to return home immediately, and is also calling for Gwabeni's suspension.
North West police spokesperson Superintendent Lesego Metsi said investigations into the financial irregularities were at an advanced stage.
"This is a sensitive investigation. We are still taking statements after the public prosecutor instructed us to investigate further. We need statements from the boys and everyone involved," said Metsi.
Despite several attempts to reach Gwabeni, he returned messages left for him by saying: "I am sorry, I am rushing into another meeting, I will speak to you later."
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