Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Defends Decision Amidst Social Media Outrage

The South African Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has come under fire on social media following its decision to send two prominence superfans, Mama Joy Chauke and Botha Msila, to the Rugby World Cup in France. Locals, including Ward 2 Councillor for Nelson Mandela Bay, Renaldo Gouws, have questioned who is bearing the cost for their attendance at the tournament.

Defending the move, Minister Zizi Kodwa stressed that Chauke and Msila are celebrated figures in sports, known for fostering a spirited and inspiring national image. He mentioned that their presence at the world cup is a testament to how sports can unify a nation split by its own troubled past. In his view, these superfans are challenging the patriarchal system and racial biases, thereby rebuffing the criticism.

Kodwa emphasised that his department supports locals' participation on various global platforms, championing international cooperation and collaboration. This support is not exclusive to the superfans as the department has sustained similar initiatives in arts and culture.

However, the response from the Department of Sport did not sit well with Gouws who insisted that key questions surrounding the "Super Fan" sponsorship program, such as its selection process, duration and funding source, remain unaddressed. Fund allocation issues also came to the fore where active athletes turn to private sponsors due to reported lack of funds from the department, questioned Gouws.