SOUTH AFRICA – In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that two individuals, known as the “SuperFans,” have been funded by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture to attend international sporting events since 2008.
Renaldo Gouws, a prominent critic, highlighted the unfairness of the situation, questioning why these two individuals were constantly funded while countless others were denied the opportunity. Labelling it as a matter of sheer favouritism, Gouws pointed out that Mama Joy, one of the funded SuperFans, had attended three international events in the last 12 months alone: the Qatar Soccer World Cup, New Zealand Soccer World Cup (Ladies), and the Rugby World Cup in France. This raises concerns about the lack of funding for athletes representing South Africa at major sporting events such as the Olympics.
Gouws also debunked allegations of racism, insisting that the focus should be on the misuse of taxpayers’ money rather than shifting the narrative to an irrelevant debate about race. He questioned why Mama Joy had been sent to multiple events while other deserving individuals were overlooked.
The disparity in funding becomes more apparent when considering the plight of Northern Cape artists who resorted to extreme measures to protest the lack of financial support. Forced to sleep in the office of the Northern Cape MEC, their dedication to their craft and desperation for recognition and funding is evident.
Meanwhile, Mama Joy Chauke and Botha Msila, the funded SuperFans, are enjoying their time in France, representing South Africa at the Rugby World Cup. Their expenses, including travel, accommodation, and allowances, are allegedly fully covered by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture. This further illustrates the preferential treatment they receive at the expense of others.
The Department’s spokesperson, Zimasa Velaphi, confirmed the funding but failed to address the concerns raised by critics. The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding this issue is deeply troubling.
This revelation has sparked outrage among citizens including Northern Cape artists who have been denied funding, leading artists to resort to a three-week protest by sleeping in the office of the Northern Cape MEC in April 2021.
As South Africans, we must question the allocation of resources and demand fairness and equal opportunities for artists and athletes alike. It is time for a thorough review of funding policies, ensuring that deserving individuals have the chance to shine on the international stage, free from favouritism and bias.
Mama Joy has attended three events in the last 12 months on behalf of taxpayers:
— Ngamla Gouws ???????? (@RenaldoGouws) October 2, 2023
– Qatar Soccer World Cup
– New Zealand Soccer World Cup (Ladies)
– Rugby World Cup in France
So… no room for other "superfans"? Always the same tannie? Sounds a bit unfair doesn't it. pic.twitter.com/V8YdPeYBQF
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