The newly appointed Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has wasted no time in shaking things up! With super fan, Mama Joy Chauke, being one of his first victims.
He recently instructed that a full list of people who have benefitted from the department through funding be released. This list is fully inclusive of all sports stars, artists, creatives, super fans and the amounts they received, as well as the reasons thereof.
Additionally, he followed up with a bold statement on X, where he has made a habit of sharing his opinions. He announced that he has cancelled all trips for “super fans”, with the priority being to use that money “where it is needed most.”
See his post on X below:
“We have athletes and artists who are struggling to raise money to attend sporting events and exhibitions, and we can’t justify paying for fans,” McKenzie said.
Many people have spoken out on this, but the main name that stood out was famous super fan’s, Mama Joy Chauke.
Her loud support for South Africa is prevalent, showing in her bright Bafana Bafana or Springbok themed clothing. She typically travels to different countries in her unmissable regalia, depending on which sport South Africa is partaking in, with most of her trips funded by government.
Such an example is her attendance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. She was in full support of Amabhokobhoko for the entirety of the tournament. This is when the controversy around the budget the department allocates to super fans started, as many people started questioning her stay at the tournament.
Responding to the Minister’s latest comments on X and speculation surrounding her name, Mama Joy calmly gave her view, saying his comments were not directed at her particularly.
“I will give a full comment when the minister has contacted me directly and told me. I won’t comment on behalf of super fans because anyone can be a super fan,” she said.
She further stressed the importance of super fans in stadiums, particularly when South African teams are playing abroad. She believes the feeling of togetherness and support is an important aspect of what she does, as it is easy for players to feel alone when representing South Africa.
Furthermore, she has made it clear that she has no intention to stop doing what she loves. The announcement of her trip to the 2024 Paris Olympics shortly followed, which sent social media into a frenzy.
Here’s what fans on x had to say about the matter…
@Max_Khalanga commented, “Mama Joy, I like you & hopefully, the majority of SAns enjoy seeing you supporting our national teams. However, for overburdened taxpayers to pay for your private interests & galavanting is uncalled for. You must pay yourself or alternatively watch on TV freely like many of us.”
@CuitoCuanaval, “Don’t be deterred Mama Joy, your love for sport did not start with DAC, you’ve been there and others. You’ve been consistent and I can assure you, this too shall pass. The Minister is dangerously excited and it won’t end well.”
Main image: Algoa FM
The post Mama Joy: I will wait for Minister Gayton McKenzie to call! appeared first on EntertainmentSA News South Africa.
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