With South Africa’s ongoing economic struggles and its high youth unemployment rate, some have called for money to be spent in ways that empower the entire population, not just a select few.
The issue of Chauke and Msila receiving public funds was initially raised in 2023 by the now suspended Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Renaldo Gouws.
He criticised the government, saying he felt the money should be given to other fans, most of whom cannot afford to travel abroad.
“Mama Joy has attended three events in the last 12 months on behalf of taxpayers,” Gouws posted on X, external.
“No room for other “superfans”? Always the same “tannie” (aunty)? Sounds a bit unfair, doesn’t it.”
The 41-year-old also claimed that superfan funding was reserved for people aligned to the nation’s largest political party, the African National Congress (ANC), outlining his belief that Chauke had publicly campaigned for the ANC, which lost its majority in the recent general election.
Gouws, a former ward councillor from Gqheberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), was sworn in as an MP after the election, but was then suspended when a controversial video from 2010 resurfaced online in which he used racist language against black South Africans.
Though superfans have attracted criticism, their supporters say they act as cultural diplomats and can unite and inspire the nation.
Youth activist Edgar Legoale, who uses football as a tool for empowerment through the Edgar Legoale Foundation, criticised McKenzie’s decision as being “emotional and short-sighted”, external.
He described Chauke and Msila as “invaluable not just for the players” but for South Africans at home as well.
Others have praised Chauke for her passion, which began before the advent of social media when there were fewer opportunities to generate income from being a superfan.
“Mama Joy became a superfan way before the government even took notice of her. The government took notice of her because they saw how instrumental it is for our sportsmen and women to see their colours reflected in the audience of their spectators,” wrote one backer on social media.
It is often said that sport is one of the few things that unites South Africa, but the issue of their funding looks like it will continue to be divisive.
