WATCH | SABC employee’s FlySafair outburst sparks outrage, PA to report to SAHRC

FlySafair

Cape Town – The actions of SABC employee Nobuntu Mkhize, who caused a disturbance and made racist comments on a FlySafair flight from Durban to Cape Town on 26 December, have drawn widespread condemnation.

Mkhize was arrested and charged under the Civil Aviation Act for disruptive behaviour while allegedly intoxicated.

“The captain of the aircraft indicated that the female passenger, who was highly inebriated, displayed disruptive and riotous behaviour while the aircraft was in service (airborne) and demanded to be served with alcohol,” The Citizen quoted police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe as saying.

“The passenger was positively identified by the captain. During police intervention, the passenger continued to display riotous behaviour by insulting SAPS members.”

Mathe said that the case docket was submitted to the prosecutor on December 27, 2024, for its initial court appearance.

“The case was temporarily withdrawn pending further investigation and addition additional charges.”

Mkhize, however, denied being drunk and planned to sue the airline and police, claiming discrimination, according to Daily Maverick.

Her recorded comments, including derogatory remarks towards Coloured people and invoking her association with the ANC, sparked outrage.

The ANC said that no individual, member or not, had the right to act in such an unacceptable manner, especially while misusing the party’s name.

“Regardless of whether this individual is a member of the ANC, we unequivocally state that no person has the right to behave in such an unacceptable manner, and certainly not while misusing the good name of the ANC.

“We have initiated an investigation into her membership status. However, even if it is confirmed that she is a member, her conduct is inexcusable and deeply embarrassing,” the ANC said in a statement.


“The ANC will not allow its name to be dragged through the mud by individuals who fail to uphold the dignity and decorum expected of all South Africans, let alone members of our organisation.”

Meanwhile, The Patriotic Alliance (PA) said it intended to file a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission, while the DA planned to lay charges of crimen injuria.

FlySafair has banned Mkhize from future flights, and the SABC has launched internal procedures against her.

“We are implementing measures to ensure she does not fly with us again,” the airline said in a post on X.

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