Questions raised over Gayton McKenzie’s World Cup influencer squad as Mama Joy’s name resurfaces

Minister Gayton McKenzie briefs the media on the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture portfolio at Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum on 4 March 2026 in Pretoria. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu As South Africa gears up for the Fifa World Cup in North America, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie’s decision to take a delegation of artists, influencers and media personalities to the tournament is drawing increasing scrutiny. WhileMcKenziehas defended the trip as an opportunity to showcase South African talent on a global stage, questions remain about how much it will cost taxpayers.

Furthermore, it is unclear what exactly delegates will be doing once they arrive. According to McKenzie, South African artists deserve a place on international stages at the Fifa 2026 World Cup. “If you understand the sport, it goes hand-in-hand with music,” McKenzie said during a media briefing in May.

“I’m not going to stand there as theSouth African minister of sport, arts and cultureand see artists from other countries jumping on the stage. I’m also going to allow our artists.” However, opposition parties and members of the public continue to demand clarity around the size of the delegation and the total cost involved. Reports suggest that attending World Cup matches could be an expensive exercise.

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Premium hospitality packages for some fixtures reportedly range from tens of thousands to more than R100 000 per person. Moreover, these prices exclude flights and additional expenses. The controversy has also revived discussions around celebrity sports supporterMama Joy Chauke. She has frequently made headlines for her travels to major sporting events.

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