The Department of Sport, Arts Culture has come into the defence of devoted sports fans Mama Joy and Botha, who are currently at the Rugby World Cup in France. Check it out!
What's the story?
After Mama Joy Chauke and Botha Msila's presence at the 2023 Rugby World Cup was questioned, the Department of Sport, Arts Culture cleared up the important role the fanatic duo play in representing South African sports.
Mama Joy and Botha have built a strong reputation as Mzansi's most devoted football fans, have been employed to support other sporting codes, cheering on SA athletes in important tournaments.
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Let's take a closer look...
Department stands up for Mama Joy Botha
Super fans Mama Joy and Botha Msila, who made their name as football fans supporting Orlando Pirates and the now defunct Bloemfontein Celtics, have been providing an abundance of good vibes at this year's Rugby World Cup in France.
Despite being well received by rugby fans in France and here in Mzansi, DA Politician Renaldo Gouws questioned why Botha and Mama Joy were sent to the World Cup by Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Look:
@renaldogouws Did you know? #bothamsila #mamajoychauke #anc #renaldogouws #southafrica #suidafrika #springboks #springboksrugby #springboksupporter???? #afrikaanstiktoks #afrikaanstiktok #fucktheanc #satourism ? original sound - Renaldo Gouws
I was today years old when I found out that these two are paid by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture to go and be supporters in the stands. I'm not joking, they are paid by taxpayers to go to sporting events across the world to "represent" South Africa. pic.twitter.com/7INHeEDg9o
— Ngamla Gouws ???? (@RenaldoGouws) October 2, 2023
In response to Gouws' tirade, Twitter/X users quickly defended the presence of Mama Joy and Botha the World Cup, praising them for their positive impact on SA sports.
The Department shared a statement, ironing out the role these superfans play in being ambassadors of the country's sports supporters and being SA's flag raisers at global sports events.
"Mama Joy and Botha are recognised in the world of sport as the epitome of promoting a winning, active, and inspiring nation," reads part of the statement shared by the Department.
Here's the rest:
MEDIA STATEMENT
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) October 4, 2023
4 October 2023
Mama Joy Chauke and Mr Boy Msila are recognised in the world of sport as the epitome of promoting a winning, active and inspiring nation. This is one of the objectives of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. pic.twitter.com/4kJKOedL2f
The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa also gave his backing to Mama Joy:
Continue to fly the Mzansi flag high, Mama @JoyChauke5. I am proud of your patriotism and unmatched love for South Africa. The entire global sports movement admires your passion for sport @SportArtsCultur @Springboks @ProteasWomenCSA @Banyana_Banyana @SiyaKolisi @fifinhojane pic.twitter.com/RY8qZM6730
— Minister of Sport, Arts Culture (@zizikodwa) October 4, 2023
Mama Joy alone has been to three World Cups this year for three different sporting codes. She was also flying the Proteas flag for the Netball World Cup at home in Cape Town earlier this year, as well as the Women's Cricket World Cup that also took place in the Mother City.
She's now having the time of her life in France to support the Boks, with her colourful, traditional regalia and SA flag painted on her cheeks.
Last year, she enjoyed the World Cup in Qatar, despite Bafana not qualifying, and was in the forefront of Banyana Banyana's support at the FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand Australia.
?@RenaldoGouws? if you can come with me to the Stadium you will see how many ppl real fans loves Mamajoy ,, it takes me 2 hrs after the game to reach my hotel Pic after pic pic.twitter.com/yqdpc3mHBw
— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) October 3, 2023
Take a scroll through the gallery to see Mama Joy in France:
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