Cape Town – Former SABC employee Nobuntu Mkhize has publicly apologised to the coloured community months after a viral video showed her making racially insensitive remarks during a disruptive incident on a FlySafair flight.
The incident took place on 26 December 2024, Boxing Day, during a flight from Durban to Cape Town.
Speaking in a Newzroom Afrika interview, Mkhize expressed regret, insisting that her comments did not reflect her true beliefs.
“I would like to apologise to the coloured community. That’s not who I am. I wasn’t raised that way. I don’t believe in what I said. I sincerely apologise for whatever was said … I have coloured friends, I’m not racist,” Mkhize said.
The incident led to backlash from various organisations, including the South African Human Rights Commission, the Patriotic Alliance, and the DA, who lodged complaints against her.
In the video, Mkhize was heard making derogatory remarks about a coloured passenger, referencing their background and education.
Mkhize criticised the SABC for firing her without a proper hearing and announced plans to challenge her dismissal in the labour court.
“They (SABC) have fired me. They have fired me without doing an investigation. They have fired me without even giving me a phone call. That is why I am saying I am appalled because the SABC, their code of conduct is approved by the board,” said Mkhize.
“The board reports to the Cabinet. The Cabinet reports to the president. So, how dare they do this which is very unethical, it’s not even according to the Labour Relations Act. I’m appalled. They released a statement saying ‘yes I’m their employee’, they wanted to talk me. They’ve never even given me a call to today.”
But, acordding to The Citizen, the SABC clarified that it conducted a formal disciplinary hearing for Mkhize, overseen by an independent chairperson, and that the outcome was communicated to her, though details remain confidential.
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