SABC employee Nobuntu Mkhize sacked disrupting FlySafair flight

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An in-flight altercation over a glass of wine has left now former South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) brand manager Nobuntu ‘Nobs’ Mkhize banned from FlySafair, facing legal action – and unemployed.

As reported by The South African website, on Boxing Day, 26 December 2024, Mkhize was flying from Durban to Cape Town when a disagreement over the airline’s wine selection spiralled out of control – and into a viral physical confrontation.

Mkhize had requested a ‘lighter’ wine than the Merlot on offer, but according to her, the flight attendant insisted she take the available option.

When she asked to see the menu, the situation escalated as the flight crew refused to serve her anything else.

Footage from the incident shows Mkhize throwing a can at a flight attendant before a scuffle broke out between her, the crew, and passengers who tried to restrain her.

Mkhize admitted to having one or two drinks at the airport Slow Lounge before boarding, but insisted she was not intoxicated at the time.

Months after the incident, Mkhize finally apologised in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.

She described her reaction as an ‘out-of-body experience’ and added she entered ‘animal mode’ as tensions escalated.

“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.”

“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,” she said at the time.

Court summons

Mkhize also revealed she had served FlySafair and the SAPS with court summons for how they handled the situation.

“We served them letters of demand. They strangled me and put cable ties on me. How was I a danger? They pinned me against the window until I saw the clouds.”

In viral videos that circulated on social media shortly after the incident, Mkhize can be heard screaming and shouting at staff, saying: “You don’t know who my father is… I am an ANC b*%#.”

She is the daughter of the late Khaba Mkhize, who was an anti-apartheid stalwart.

Her troubles worsened when the SABC dismissed her following the incident.

However, Mkhize maintains that her firing was unfair, arguing that there was no proper investigation and that her labour rights were violated.

She has vowed to challenge the decision in court.

‘Not welcome in future’

FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gordon confirmed that she was handed over to police upon landing in Cape Town after being restrained with help from fellow passengers.

Gordon also confirmed that Mkhize has been added to the airline’s no-fly list and will not be welcome on future FlySafair flights.

The incident triggered widespread condemnation, with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) launching an investigation into alleged racist remarks made during the altercation.

Political parties also weighed in, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) filing a crimen injuria and assault case against Mkhize, while the Patriotic Alliance lodged a complaint with the SAHRC.

@mzansiwilding Part 6 #fyp #SA #SAMA28 ♬ original sound – MzansiWilding

@mzansiwilding #fyp ♬ original sound – MzansiWilding

Lodge formal complaint

Meanwhile, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) lodgeD a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over Mkhize’s behaviour.

In an X post, the PA said the situation highlighted the danger of privilege unchecked by accountability.

“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,” it said.

The party urged the SABC to take firm and decisive action to address the 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,” it added.

Gayton McKenzie, the current Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, is president of the Patriotic Alliance.

Staff member

Meanwhile, the SABC issued a statement, saying that it ‘noted with concern’ the footage of the staff member.

‘The South African Broadcasting Corporation 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.’

‘Unruly and unbecoming’

In a statement, the ANC called the Mkhize’s behaviour ‘unruly and unbecoming and against the values and principles of the movement’.

‘The African National Congress (ANC) has noted with disgust and disdain the behaviour of a woman aboard a domestic flight who acted in an unruly and unbecoming manner, while invoking the name of the ANC as if to justify her actions.

‘The ANC categorically distances itself from such behavior, 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.

The party said that it has initiated an investigation into her membership status.

‘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 party called on all South Africans to act in a manner that promotes unity and respect for each other.