Cape Town – Mama Joy (Joy Chauke), a well-known South African sports superfan, has publicly criticised the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie after he refused to fund her trip to the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
She took to social media calling for his removal and appealed to figures like President Cyril Ramaphosa and Gianni Infantino for help attending the tournament.
“To all SA fans, let’s just accept no World Cup for us. @GaytonMcK won’t be able to help us. You are on your own. Let’s just pray for the President to give us a new Minister of Sport who can love fans”
We got your a husband my sister, let him pay for the love of his life, the Euro is very strong, Frenchman are known to be romantic, let him pay Sista Joy❤️🤛 https://t.co/sNfOnngBdG
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) April 5, 2026
Mama Joy also mentioned FIFA President Gianni Infantino, once again expressing her disappointment over Gayton’s decision to exclude her.
“I would like to be there. I am asking for any help from anyone to help me attend the World Cup 2026. Gayton won’t pay for fans, especially Mama Joy,” she wrote.
McKenzie responded humorously, suggesting her husband should pay for her trip, while maintaining his stance.
He previously announced that government-funded trips for superfans would be scrapped, arguing that funds should instead support struggling athletes and artists.
I have stopped all trips for super fans, we have athletes & artist who are struggling to raise money to attend sporting events and exhibitions, how do we justify paying for fans? We shall no longer be paying for these trips and will use that money where it’s needed the most.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 9, 2024
The decision follows past criticism after the department reportedly spent over R1 million on superfans’ travel, including Mama Joy’s previous international trips.
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Picture: Instagram/ mamajoy chauke
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
