Overview
- Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie told superfan Joy “Mama Joy” Chauke he will not fund her trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and suggested her husband cover the cost in a public reply on X.
- McKenzie reiterated that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has ended government-funded travel for superfans, saying the policy is final and not under review.
- The department later stressed it has made no financial commitments for any supporter trips to the World Cup and said ideas about competitions or groups of fans depend on external sponsorship and formal approval.
- Coverage recalls that the department spent more than R1 million on selected superfans for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, a figure now driving scrutiny over how limited funds are used.
- With the World Cup staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, higher travel costs put the onus on private sponsors, and McKenzie has floated seeking corporate backing for a small group of standout supporters.