Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie explains the decision to end state-funded travel for football supporter Mama Joy Chauke. Pics SC
Noko Mashilo
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has moved to clarify his position on funding for fan travel following a decision to discontinue state-sponsored trips for football supporter Mama Joy Chauke.
“I have nothing against Mama Joy. We’ve met and even joked on social media, you can go check,” McKenzie said. “But the last trip cost about R800,000 for business class flights and five-star hotels. That money could have taken many fans, not just one person.”
He said the department wants to prioritise wider participation rather than funding individual trips.
“We can send more people with that R800k,” he added. “Some people think certain things are meant for them. That’s not right.”
McKenzie also said he was initially pleased when Chauke received sponsorship, acknowledging her strong backing for Bafana Bafana.
“When I heard she got a sponsor, I was very happy. I know she loves Bafana Bafana,” he said.