Cape Town – Just weeks after a public disagreement with Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie over funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, well-known South African superfan Joyce ‘Joy’ Chauke, popularly known as Mama Joy, surprised social media by appearing at the tournament.
The colourful and widely recognised supporter, famous for her unwavering dedication to South African sport, shared photos and videos from the host nation, quickly becoming a trending topic on X.
#BafanaBafana MamaJoy is recognised guys pic.twitter.com/OUBkkRjfqG
— Shane (@Shanenzo) June 25, 2026
Ahead of Bafana Bafana’s match against South Korea, Mama Joy confidently backed the national team to secure victory, saying South Africa would make the country proud on football’s biggest stage.
In previous online interactions, when asked for her prediction, she firmly supported Bafana Bafana to win the encounter.
Mama Joy also posted a cheerful picture alongside Minister Gayton McKenzie, captioned: “He’s giving me a ticket.” The post sparked speculation on social media that the pair may have resolved their recent differences.
Earlier this year, Mama Joy and McKenzie were involved in a heated exchange on social media after claims that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture did not have funds available to sponsor her trip to the World Cup.
“To all South fans, let’s just accept no World Cup for us. Minister Gayton McKenzie and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture won’t be able to help us,” she wrote at the time.
“You are on your own. Let’s just pray for the [SA] president [Cyril Ramaphosa] to give us a new Minister of Sport who loves fans.”
Her comments drew criticism online, with some social media users accusing her of being entitled, arguing that she should not expect financial sponsorship for international sporting events, especially given her previous attendance at multiple World Cups.
I have landed in Mexico to support Bafana Bafana , pic.twitter.com/MIcKzKwAVL
— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) June 10, 2026
Mama Joy’s trip ultimately became possible after she was appointed brand ambassador for the emerging African sports and fitness company abOVEnormal.
Following her arrival at the tournament, she took to social media to thank God and her ancestors, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to once again support Bafana Bafana on football’s biggest stage.
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Picture: Instagram/ Mama Joy
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
