WATCH: SABC Employee’s rant on flight sparks social media storm

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Patriotic Alliance (PA) have condemned the actions of a woman caught on camera causing a disturbance and making racist comments on a FlySafair flight.

The incident occurred on Boxing Day, December 26, during a flight from Durban to Cape Town.

WATCH: A video of the woman causing a disruption

It ended it tears. pic.twitter.com/T4QcYvb3GR

— The General 💧 (@KingMntungwa) December 28, 2024

Arrest

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told The Citizen the woman was arrested and charged in terms of the Civil Aviation Act No 13 of 2009 for disruptive and riotous behaviour on board an aircraft in service.

“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 captain positively identified the passenger. During police intervention, the passenger continued to display riotous behaviour by insulting SAPS members and threatened to sue them,” Mathe said.

Mathe said the case docket was presented to prosecutors on 27 December.

“The case was temporarily withdrawn pending further investigation and additional charges.”

ALSO READ: WATCH: Woman accused of causing chaos on FlySafair flight identified as SABC employee

‘Racism’

The video of the SABC employee, identified as 43-year-old Nobuntu Mkhize, went viral on social media.

“You’re a coloured from Mitchells Plain, all these gold rings but no degree. Right now, when we land, I will take an Uber home. You don’t even have a [driving] licence. You don’t even have a car,” she could be heard saying.

On Saturday, the broadcaster condemned the incident, saying it would address the matter through “relevant channels in line with its internal procedures”.

It dismissed claims that the incident would be aired on SABC News following threats made by Mkhize during the altercation.

Mkhize told News24 that she was not drunk during the flight and claimed she was discriminated against. She further planned to sue the FlySafair and the police.

The Citizen has contacted Mkhize for comment. Her comment will be added to the story once received.

Human rights complaint

On Sunday, Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene said Mkhize’s remarks targeting members of the coloured community “undermine the spirit of unity, dignity and respect that our Constitution seeks to uphold.”

“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 is above the law, regardless of their position or background.

“The Patriotic Alliance will lodge a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and follow the matter closely to ensure justice is served.

“We also urge the SABC to take firm and decisive action to address this incident.”

ALSO READ: Aviation conference explores safety and security in industry [Video]

‘Behaviour’

DA Western Cape leader Tertius Simmers said,” This behaviour has no place in a democratic society.”

“During the heated altercation, a passenger reportedly hurled racial remarks against a member of the coloured community.

“With the DA’s ethos firmly based on diversity and fairness to all, we stand in solidarity with the victim.

“Our unwavering commitment to equality is our drive to fight for an inclusive society where all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.”

‘Embarrassing’

The African National Congress (ANC) also reacted to Mkhize’s claim to be “an ANC b**ch” in one of the clips.

The party said it had noted the woman’s behaviour with “disgust and disdain “while invoking the name of the ANC as if to justify” her unruly behaviour.”

“The ANC categorically distances itself from such behaviour, contrary to our movement’s values and principles.

“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,” party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said.

Bhengu-Motsiri indicated that the ANC would probe whether the woman had a party membership.

“Even if it is confirmed that she is a member, her conduct is inexcusable and deeply embarrassing.”

‘Banned’

Meanwhile, FlySafair has banned Mkhize from all future flights.

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

NOW READ: ‘No immediate threat to operations. We will fly as normal’, says FlySafair