Ever wondered how sports superfan Joy ‘Mama Joy’ Chauke afforded trips around the world to watch national sports teams play? If you guessed that she was funded by businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, that would be incorrect.
Mama Joy received a lot of attention and backlash on social media – specifically X (formerly Twitter) – after it was made known that she (along with another superfan, Botha Msila) were allegedly paid to attend the Rugby World Cup using taxpayers’ money. She made headlines again when it was alleged that her hotel bill cost R10,000 per night.
Returning from her month-long trip to France (mentioning that she is yet to unpack her suitcase), Mama Joy appeared on sports presenter and radio personality Robert Marawa’s show, Marawa Sports Worldwide, on the Johannesburg radio show, 947.
Robert asked Mama Joy what her reaction was when people started questioning where the travel funds were coming from. The colourful sports fan responded, “I don’t care who paid for me. Whether it was paid by the president of the country, or whoever, but for me to be at the World Cup, nothing else… The thing is, if you’re doing something, people will talk. If you’re doing nothing, they have nothing to talk about.”
The sports presenter then asked Mama Joy if she would be travelling to India for the Cricket World Cup to support the Proteas. After stating that she had already posed the question on X (formerly Twitter), Robert asked if she was looking for someone to fund her trip to India and if she was ready to go.
“Yes!” she replied. “I can go now from the studio and pack, [and go] straight to the airport… So guys please, sponsor there, I am ready.”
Our Trophy is back ,,, Can I go to india or what I need your vote ,,,@cricketworldcup pic.twitter.com/H73mYpJRaq
— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) October 29, 2023
The radio host then asked whether Shauwn (also known as Mamkhize) would fund the international flight. Mama Joy admitted that although she has a close relationship with the Royal AM soccer club owner, Shauwn would not be depositing any money.
“People will say, ‘You chowed Mamkhize because you want money.’ I don’t even know what to answer now… I’m a Royal AM supporter, 100 per cent… I don’t get paid [by Shauwn, I do it] for the love of the game,” confirmed Mama Joy.
Department spokesperson Litha Mpondwana previously told TimesLIVE, “Mama Joy and Botha are not paid by the department to go to stadiums.” However, without disclosing the amount, the department stated that they funded Mama Joy and Botha’s return flights and accommodation in France.
Also see: A look back at Mama Joy’s tax-paying trip to France
