Joyce “Mama Joy” Chauke. (Photo: Micky Jnr/X)
Joyce “Mama Joy” Chauke, South Africa’s famous “super fan”, is very upset after Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, rejected her request to attend the World Cup soccer tournament.
Chauke turned to social media to ask for help, after the department confirmed that there was no budget to send supporters to the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
“I would love to be there,” Chauke wrote on X. “I am asking for any help from anyone to help me attend the Fifa World Cup. McKenzie is not going to pay for supporters, especially Mama Joy.”
Chauke even tagged Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa, in her post.
Minister responds
McKenzie quickly responded to Chauke’s post, confirming that the state would not be paying for Mama Joy’s trip. He suggested that her French husband should pay for the trip instead.
Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. (Photo: Eugene Gunning/Maroela Media)
“We got you a man, my sister. Make him pay for the love of his life. The euro is very strong and French men are known for being romantic. Make him pay, Sister Joy.”
Shortly after he was appointed minister in 2024, McKenzie announced that he was going to suspend the practice of using government money for “super-fans” trips. The department confirmed in a recent parliamentary question and answer session that no financial provision was made for supporters to attend the football spectacle.
“Why would I lie by using diplomatic language? Our policy is not under review. Should I deceive people by comforting them? We are not going to pay for ‘super-fence’ as a department. It is unfair because South Africa is full of ‘super-fence’.”
Chauke responds to criticism
Chauke made her frustration clear and said “supporters are now on their own”. She asks that “people should pray for a new minister who has love for supporters.”
Referring to McKenzie’s comment about her husband, Chauke said that it was not a romantic trip and that her husband would pay for a romantic trip.
Joyce Chauke, also known as Mama Joy. (Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP)
“Watch this space,” she added.
She emphasized that she will continue to support the national team, “whether in the stadium or on television”.
Some supporters expressed their dissatisfaction with the minister’s response. One user says the minister’s tone is unacceptable for someone in his position. “Differ if you want and make your point clear, but do so with dignity and out of respect for the office you hold.”
Another supporter believes that the state should look after a few selected supporters, because they are the “face of South African football”.
“This is bad news for South Africans! The number one ‘super fan’, Mama Joy, has announced that she will not be attending the World Cup due to a lack of support from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. This is a huge blow to Bafana Bafana, because her energy and presence have always spurred the team on. One can only hope the government intervenes to make this possible,” Micky Jnr, a sports reporter, wrote.
New plan for loyal supporters
McKenzie indicated that he would rather introduce a system that rewards loyalty at club level. He plans to get private sponsors to help fans who regularly support their teams at local matches.
“I think every club should nominate their best and most consistent supporter for a trip to the World Cup – someone who rarely misses a game. I will personally start contacting sponsors to make the trips possible.”