Gone are Mama Joy’s days of expensive trips, checking in at five-star hotels and occupying premium seats at some of the world’s biggest sports tournaments.
This comes after the South African sports superfan was heavily slammed on social media for hinting that she will soon be heading to the 2024 Olympic Games that will be held in Paris, France in July and August.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the vibrant sports lover Joy Chauke shared a picture of herself all too excited and ready to go. The image shows her dressed in what appears to be the official supporter gear for the upcoming Olympic games with all the sponsors’ logos appearing on her T-shirt.
In addition to this, a custom print of her name “Mama Joy,” was also displayed on the front of her shirt.
Captioning the post, she wrote: “I can’t wait guys, Olympics in Paris.”
I can’t wait guys Olympics in Paris pic.twitter.com/o6rXNBfn2K
— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) June 10, 2024
Last year the 50-year-old was subjected to a lot of criticism after the internet questioned who paid for all her travel expenses. The internet’s concerns came after she was continuously spotted in the front row of nearly every game that the Springboks played at the 2023 World Cup – which ironically was also in France.
After having attended multiple sporting events over the years, some of which include the FIFA World Cup in Qatar (2022), Netball World Cup in Cape Town (2023), Rugby World Cup in France (2023), FIFA Women’s World Cup (2023), Cricket World Cup in India (2023), and AFCON in Ivory Coast (2024), AfriForum did an investigation on the matter and found out that the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has paid more R1.3 million on sending her and Botha Msila to the RWC.
With former minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Zizi Kodwa stepping down and turning himself in on alleged charges of corruption, the South African public has revealed that Mama Joy’s days of touring the world on the expense of tax-payers are over.
One user responded to her post writing:
I’ve got a feeling your travelling and holidays paid by taxpayers is coming to an end.
— Jason Kelder (@jason_kelder) June 12, 2024
Another user wrote:
Zizi Kodwa gone. We shall investigate how you got the tender to be sponsored by tax payers. If need be @RSASIU must look in it asap. Why is the country paying for your international travels
— Queen Nandi, her majesty (@NandisaGschwari) June 11, 2024
Meanwhile, with the recent developments and rumours of a new government of national unity being formed, another user wrote:
You’re now turning into a tourist instead of a fan. The new Government of National Unity must scrap away your perks and make you an ordinary fan with a budget of a fan, not a celebrity tourist.
— Lebo_gang👑 (@Lebogang01234) June 11, 2024
Also see: R1.3 million: Alleged amount spent on Mama Joy’s RWC France trip explained | Bona Magazine