Africa-Press – South-Africa. The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture defended its decision to fund super fans Joy Chauke and Botha Msila to attend the Rugby World Cup in France.
They also failed to explain how the pair were chosen and how much this trip cost the department.
Chauke, who is popularly known as Mama Joy, and Msila are two of the most colourful and passionate sport supporters in the country.
Msila regularly hikes around the country to follow various sporting codes, mainly football, despite his beloved Bloemfontein Celtic no longer existing.
Msila shot to international fame when he attempted to hike from South Africa to Egypt for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. His mission might have ended prematurely due to visa issues in Sudan, but he received international adoration and support for his passion.
Chauke, who ditched Orlando Pirates to back Royal AM, was recently chosen by FIFA to be one of the fan ambassadors at last year’s Football World Cup in Qatar. She was named Best Fan Leader by the tournament’s organising committee after the global showpiece.
The pair’s presence at the Rugby World Cup, where they are adorned in the colours of the South African flag, came under scrutiny after DA councillor Renaldo Grouws raised concerns on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, about the department funding their travels.
In response, the ministry said the pair is “recognised in the world of sport as the epitome of promoting a winning, active and inspiring nation”.
“The department has supported many South Africans to participate in arts, music and cultural events hosted in various international platforms,” the department said in a statement.
“This kind of support did not start now with Mama Joy and Botha. It should also be noted that in international relations, representation and participation is critical in positioning the country to protect its national interests and influence global agendas.”
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The department claimed that Chauke and Msila’s presence at the World Cup “is playing a major role in demonstrating how South Africa is using sport to heal from the divisions of the past.”
“Since the start of the Rugby World Cup in France, the country has observed with appreciation and excitement the positive, inspiring and appreciative reactions from various media platforms, global citizenry, foreign governments, political leadership, civil society actors and sport supporters around the world,” the department added.
“The department has observed how Mama Joy is impacting the lives of people across the borders of South Africa to an extent that some are providing support to sustain her stay in Paris to increase her visibility in all games played in the Rugby World Cup.”
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