Sports fanatic Mama Joy Chauke made quite a few headlines during the duration of the Rugby World Cup. From an alleged R10,000 per night bill to posing next to the Webb Ellis Cup, Mama Joy has surely made her stay in France memorable.
Looking at her social media account, it appears that Mama Joy was on a plane to France on 7 September and possibly arrived the next day, which marked the commencement of the World Cup.
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Visiting the Eiffel Tower
Days after her arrival in the country, Mama Joy was living her best life in Paris, sharing a video of herself dancing in her signature South African flag-inspired outfit with the Eiffel Tower seen in the background. What’s a trip to Paris without visiting the iconic tourist attraction?
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Enjoying posh hotels and views
On 12 September, Mama Joy shared a video of herself eating breakfast at a French hotel, celebrating the Springboks’ 18-3 win against Scotland on 10 September. “I am so happy to eat. I can eat everything,” she says before telling her followers to “look at the background” that surrounded her.
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It appears Mama Joy enjoyed her stay in France at the Meliá Paris La Défense hotel as she posted a selfie in front of the building as well as a video in the hotel’s lobby. Mama Joy previously received backlash after it was alleged she was staying at another French hotel where the cost per night was R10,000. However, at the Meliá Paris La Défense, prices start from close to R6,000.
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Sekunjalo Springboks pic.twitter.com/qRZAvfDDRe
— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) October 15, 2023
Visiting a memorial site
Taking a break from rugby, Mama Joy also visited the memorial site of the South African Native Labour Corps (SANLC), a group of men created due to a shortage of labour in World War One, explains BBC. According to South African History Online, the group alleviated the labour shortage at the Western Front and in French ports.
“We went to the grave of our forefathers in France, check what I asked them one day before the game,” she captioned her post.
We went to the grave of our 4 fathers in France check what I asked from them 1 day before the game @zizikodwa @Springboks pic.twitter.com/CI9VLGg2ne
— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) October 15, 2023
Webb Ellis Cup
Towards the end of her Paris stay, besides rubbing shoulder with Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, Mama Joy got the opportunity to stand next to the coveted Webb Ellis trophy. “This is our trophy… South Africa is taking it back.” Truer words have never been spoken.
During opening ceremony France Vs Newzealand I got a chance to be with the President of France Mr Macron in his suite I promised him that this trophy is going back to SA ,,, @zizikodwa @CyrilRamaphosa @Springboks @rugbyworldcup pic.twitter.com/w1WCtIQQw9
— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) October 28, 2023
Also see: President Ramaphosa gives mzansi a Springboks public holiday… but not just yet