I DON'T have beef against Joyce "Mama Joy" Chauke.
This is according to Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who spoke during the announcement of the winning supporters of the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition in Hatfield, Tshwane on Tuesday, 5 May.
McKenzie said he loves black women.
"I have nothing against Mama Joy. She came to introduce herself to me. When I was in Bloemfontein, she came with her husband. She said I wanted to introduce you to my husband. I said: 'Did he pay lobola?' She said yes. Me and Mama Joy on social media we make jokes. You can go and check the history of that.
"How can I justify on taking Mama Joy on such. I can't. On the last trip, the department spent R800 000 on business class flights and five-star hotels," he said.
He said the people who are on the list aren't going on business class flights.
"We can send more people on that R800 000 than one person. Do you want this thing of South Africans that some things are meant for them, not for others. That's not right. Some other people have to apply, take videos and as if they are less important. This was an automatic qualification. No, it can't work like that. We have nothing against Mama Joy," said McKenzie.
ALSO READ | Peak hour rush ends in crash for three taxisOpens in new window
The minister said that Mama Joy mentioned she has a sponsor and is the happiest person.
"I said that problem is done if she has got a sponsor. If Mama Joy doesn't have a ticket and is there, I won't leave her outside because she loves Bafana Bafana.
"I would have, if possible, take my own funds to pay for her if she was there at the stadium. My heart won't allow me to leave her. All these people who will be going have equal rights like Mama Joy.
Announcing the 16 winners, McKenzie said: "When you stand in that stadium in Mexico, you carry the flag, the voice and the heartbeat of millions back home."
The minister also thanked the adjudication panel led by Robert Marawa.
The 16 winners are Bonakale Hlengiwe Nzuza of Orlando Pirates, Sebe Thusi TS Galaxy, Adam Mtombeni of Kaizer Chiefs, Konelo John Tahlo of Siwelele FC, Ndumiso Zondi of AmaZulu FC, Ernest Jacobs of Stellenbosch FC, Hlekulani Kobe of Magesi FC, Happiness Dumakude of Lamontville Golden Arrows, Vennitious Motswi of Kaizer Chiefs, Obakeng Mokgara of Mamelodi Sundowns, Mamello Constance Makha of Mamelodi Sundowns, Mickey Seroke of Mokone Orbit College FC, Adam Schlosberg of Chippa United, Thaven Pillay Durban of City FC, Salmaan Khan of Richards Bay FC, and Tshegofatso Sello of Marumo Gallants FC.
