by Thinus Ferreira
An apparently drunk, racist and unruly SABC staffer - the SABC brand manager Nobuntu Mkhize - who referred to herself as an "ANC bitch" was handcuffed, arrested and banned from Flysafair after disrupting a flight from Durban to Cape Town of the South African airline and causing midflight chaos.
In multiple videos taken by several different passengers and shared on various social media, the seemingly drunk Nobuntu Mkhize can be seen being aggressive, racist, physically touching and fighting with flight attendants and even throwing other passengers with a drink after Flysafair decided not to give her liquor.
Nobuntu Mkhize started screaming "you don't know who my father is" as if her father entitles her to different treatment and rules in South Africa.
The woman also screamed that her story will be on SABC News.
She also said "I'm an ANC bitch".
The woman is also seen saying to someone "You're a coloured from Mitchells Plain - all these gold rings but no degree. Right now when we land, I'm going to take an Uber home.You don't even have a driver's licence. You don't even have a car."
The woman was eventually cuffed onboard and Flysafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon says the apparently drunk woman was arrested when the Flysafair plane landed in Cape Town on 26 December. She appeared in court.
Flysafair has also banned the woman from ever flying with the airline again.
The South African Police Service says more charges will be added over Nobuntu Mkhize's conduct like crime injuria as well as assault.
According to the police "During police intervention, the passenger continued to display riotous behaviour by insulting SAPS members and threatened to sue them."
Nobuntu Mkhize was charged in terms of the Civil Aviation Act No. 13 of 2009 for disruptive and riotous behaviour on board aircraft.
Flysafair says "We condemn any behaviour of this nature. Flight attendants have a primary duty as safety officers and interfering with their duties is a criminal offence. This passenger will be placed on our no-fly list and will not be welcome on future FlySafair flights. After the police get involved in matters like this, they manage the situation and we don't get insight into what transpires."
The SABC in response to a media query from TVwithThinus on Saturday said "The SABC has noted with concern,
audio-visual material circulating on various social media platforms featuring a
staff member travelling on a South African airline".
"The SABC regrets this incident, and always encourages staff members to
uphold the SABC values of respect and integrity in all their interactions."
"In
the video clip, this staff member mentions the SABC and states that this
incident will be broadcast on SABC News. We would like to reiterate that SABC
News is guided by the Editorial Code and maintains its editorial independence,
and the decisions pertaining to all news items are made in the Newsroom and not
influenced by non-editorial staff members."
The SABC will use the relevant channels in line with its internal
procedures to engage the staff member."
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri in a statement says the ANC political party has taken note of the woman's behaviour and utterances "with disgust and disdain".
"The ANC categorically distances itself from such behaviour, which is contrary to the values and principles of our movement.
"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."
"If it confirmed that she is a member, her conduct is inexcusable and deeply embarrassing. 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."
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) political party in a statement says "Racism, irrespective of its source, has no place in South Africa. As a nation that has endured the scars of racial injustice, we must remain vigilant in rejecting all forms of discrimination".
"No individual, regardless of their position or background, is above the law. We urge the SABC to take firm and decisive action to address this incident. This case serves as a reminder that public figures carry a responsibility to act with integrity and respect."
"The Patriotic Alliance calls on all South Africans to reject racism and work together to build a nation rooted in unity, equality, and mutual respect."
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) says The incident aboard the aircraft was unfortunate and distasteful as it sought to undermine the safety of passengers and crew."
According to the SACAA, in terms of section 135 of the Civil Aviation Act, unruly behaviour is a punishable offence that can lead to an imprisonment sentence of up to six months.
Disobeying and interfering with orders from the cabin crew violates civil aviation laws and carries a fine and jail sentence.
UPDATE Monday 30 December 2024 18:00: Flight attendant Emmeridge September has filed charges of assault and crime injuria against unruly SABC brand manager Nobuntu Mhkize.
