Sports fanatic and 2023 Rugby World Cup attendee Mama Joy Chauke made headlines once again after it was alleged that her hotel bill in France costs an astounding R10,000.
The name ‘Mama Joy’ first made its rounds on X (formerly Twitter) after Democatic Alliance ward councillor Renaldo Gouws shared on the app, “I was today years old when I found out that these two [Mama Joy and Botha Msila] are paid by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture to go and be supporters in the stands. I’m not joking, they are paid by taxpayers to go to sporting events across the world to ‘represent’ South Africa.”
I was today years old when I found out that these two are paid by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture to go and be supporters in the stands. I’m not joking, they are paid by taxpayers to go to sporting events across the world to “represent” South Africa. pic.twitter.com/7INHeEDg9o
— Ngamla Gouws ?? (@RenaldoGouws) October 2, 2023
Soon after, the two superfans – specifically Mama Joy – received backlash from social media users, while others sided with her and criticised Renaldo.
Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa also shared his support in a lengthy statement. “Mama Joy and Botha’s presence at the Rugby World Cup is playing a major role in demonstrating how South Africa is using sport to heal from the divisions of the past,” he stated.
Department spokesperson Litha Mpondwana also 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.
Despite the overwhelming support from the government and fans, Renaldo returned to X to point out the alleged accommodation prices. Posting an image of Mama Joy standing in front of French hotel Meliá Paris Champs Elysées said to cost about R10,000, Renaldo captioned the post, “Enjoy the game tonight Mama Joy.”
Enjoy the game tonight MamaJoy. pic.twitter.com/vb2xmN2jTJ
— Ngamla Gouws ?? (@RenaldoGouws) October 15, 2023
Seeing the price, Mzansi social media users commented the following:
Ridiculous… and people don’t have toilets and are starving in our country. https://t.co/BDZDRBgy0p
— Truth Punk (@truthpunks) October 15, 2023
I dislike this Gouws guy but here he’s right , if thr government is paying for such for just someone who cheers SA ,What about those in charge of the money ,how much is their take home ? https://t.co/mg1S4fs62Q
— Junya (@KasiBlackRoom) October 16, 2023
I respectfully ask my Black fellow South Africans to explain: Why is most Black comments positive about this waste of money? Is it because a Black person is benefitting? Does it help the morale of other South Africans?
— Be part of the solution (@springhaas2) October 16, 2023
On her Instagram account, Mama Joy posted a picture standing in front of the Meliá Paris. However, according to The South African, she is standing outside the Meliá Paris La Défense which costs half the price of the Champs Elysées.
View this post on Instagram
Mama Joy has not confirmed her place of stay during the Rugby World Cup.
