Gayton reveals the amount spent on Mama Joy’s World Cup fan trip
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie has lifted the lid on government spending tied to superfan Mama Joy Chauke’s attendance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
McKenzie confirmed that approximately R700,000 was spent on ensuring Mama Joy’s presence at the global tournament, where she was seen rallying behind the Springboks.
His remarks come at a time when he is facing backlash for his decision to halt state-funded travel for superfans to major international sporting events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The revelation did not land quietly, as it followed sharp criticism from Mama Joy, who has openly challenged the minister’s stance and even called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove him from office.
Tensions escalated further when Mama Joy disputed claims that government departments had ever funded her trips.
In a recent interview, she insisted that her past travels were not covered by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, instead crediting the president directly.
“He never paid for me. I approached the president, and he covered it himself,” she said.
McKenzie, however, firmly rejected that version of events, stating that official records tell a different story.
According to him, both her previous trips were financed through the department, not by the president personally.
“I hope this settles the issue once and for all,” he said, adding that documentation from before his tenure clearly shows the state carried the costs, including the 2023 World Cup trip which alone totalled R700,000.
The minister also suggested that Mama Joy’s future travel should not fall on taxpayers, arguing that her personal circumstances, including her marriage to a French national should play a role in funding such trips going forward.
As both sides continue to stand firm, the public spat has sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting McKenzie’s push for accountability, while others defend Mama Joy’s long-standing presence as one of the country’s most recognisable supporters on the global stage.
Let me be clear: the President of the country did not pay for Mama Joy’s trips, despite what she may think. DSAC did. Both trips I could find info on from before my term were covered by the department. Her France trip alone cost R700k. I hope this matter can now be put to rest.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) April 8, 2026
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