South African sports superfan Joy ‘Mama Joy’ Chauke shared that she had landed in Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Her international trip had many locals wondering about the details of her journey.
Also see: Mama Joy pleads for funding to watch Bafana Bafana at 2026 World Cup
In the early hours of Wednesday, 10 June 2026, Mama Joy revealed on her X account that she arrived in the North American country to support Bafana Bafana, starting with their match against Mexico at Estadio Azteca on 11 June 2026.
Mama Joy appeared to arrive with a man, who some people thought was her partner.
I have landed in Mexico to support Bafana Bafana , pic.twitter.com/MIcKzKwAVL
— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) June 10, 2026
Controversy surrounding Mama Joy’s trip to Mexico
Mama Joy previously expressed disappointment when she was not on the list of superfans selected by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture. She shared in an interview with the Supporters Forum that her focus was always on attending the World Cup, regardless of whether she received official support from the government.
She specifically stated that Gayton wouldn’t help her.
The minister responded to her claims, writing, “We got you a husband, my sister, let him pay for the love of his life. The Euro is very strong. French men are known to be romantic, let him pay, Sista Joy.”
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
Also see: Mama Joy pays touching tribute to fallen football legends
Mzansi questions Mama Joy’s trip
Many South Africans wondered how Mama Joy secured the funding and shared additional questions and thoughts in the comment section.
“How? Kanjani? Did Gayton change his mind and pay?” asked @Sonndi_M.
@RealestRoseGold asked in the comments, “On taxpayers’ money or yours?”
@zanira____ also wondered, “Did she pay for her ticket?”
@OkuhleSA wrote to Mama Joy, “This time around, please pay attention to what’s happening on the field. You don’t have to try to draw the attention of the cameras to yourself all the time. It becomes difficult to fight for you when you don’t even know a single South African football player.”
At the time of publication, it remains unclear how Mama Joy’s trip was funded.
Also see: Mama Joy keeps winning with new gig
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