Mama Joy cost taxpayers R1.3M during the 2023 RWC
Superfans like Mama Joy and Botha Msila’s were wined and dined in France during the RWC, costing taxpayers a hefty R1.3M
South African sports fanatic Mama Joy is undoubtedly a beloved part of the country’s sports celebrations and is currently the face of SA sports fans. Last year, she graced the stands in support of the Springboks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup — something that has gotten under the skin of some locals who think it is a complete waste of taxpayers’ money.
Local politician Renaldo Gouws has been particularly passionate about outing just how much the trip cost and started on his mission to uncover the truth.
On Thursday this week, the Democratic Alliance member shared that the cost for Mama Joy and Botha Msila’s flights and accommodation amounted to over R1.3 million.
MAMA JOY RWC FRANCE TRIP STILL RUFFLING FEATHERS
Since 2023, politician Renaldo Gouws has ruffled feathers on X where he had been campaigning against Mama Joy’s lavish stay in France.
While the Department of Arts and Culture has backed Mama Joy, Gouws remained adamant that taxpayers should not be footing the bill for her to support the Springboks in France.
Not backing down, Gouws went on to apply for a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) on how much exactly the government spent sending Mama Joy to France.
Finally this week, it was revealed that over R1.3 million was spent on flights and accommodation alone.
“I was today years old when the Department of Sports Arts and Culture responded to my PAIA application to inform me that they spent R1,361,000 on TWO Superfans on flights and accommodation ALONE, and this was just for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“How did they select them? Well, according to the department, there isn’t an official initiative. The “Superfans” managed to speak to the department at O.R. Tambo on the 28th of August 2023 (11 days before the tournament started) and asked if they could go.
“Talk about being at the right place at the right time. What’s quite strange then is how some of these “Superfans” appear to always be at the right place at the right time,” he wrote.
He also addressed how much money was spent on the ministers who visited France to support the Springboks.
Take a look at his tweet below:
I was today years old when the Department of Sports Arts and Culture responded to my PAIA application to inform me that they spent R1,361,000 on TWO Superfans on flights and accommodation ALONE, and this was just for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
How did they select them? Well,… https://t.co/1Wm8Dq4Rmo
— Ngamla Gouws 🇿🇦 (@RenaldoGouws) February 28, 2024
SA REACTS
In the comment section, rugby fans have gone from calling Gouws jealous to accusing him of being obsessed with the sports fanatic and her “blessings.”
Others have however slammed the government over what they are calling “another wasteful” expenditure.
“This was not a good idea. But the fact it’s driving so many of you up the wall makes me happy. The department must do this even with friendly games,” one person commented while another added:
“This is heartbreaking real people who represent our country like water polo team won’t be allowed to the Olympics yet this ANC cadre can go. I see parents try to help young sport people get to tournaments yet this person who adds no value gets sponsorship sickening.”