SABC employee and alleged ANC member Nobuntu Mkhize has been placed on a no-fly list by FlySafair following a brawl aboard a domestic flight from Durban to Cape Town on Boxing Day.
The incident, which involved physical altercations with flight attendants, was spurred by a dispute over the drinks service and has ignited a wave of controversy across social media platforms.
In widely circulated videos, Mkhize can be seen aggressively confronting crew members who were attempting to manage the situation. Eyewitness accounts have highlighted her intoxicated state during the altercation.
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Kirby Gorden, spokesperson for FlySafair, expressed the airline’s dismay at Mkhize’s behaviour, emphasising that “interfering with their duties is a criminal offence”.
Gorden confirmed that the passenger was handed over to police upon the plane’s arrival in Cape Town. “We condemn any behaviour of this nature. This passenger will be placed on our no-fly list and will not be welcome on future FlySafair flights,” he stated.
The SABC has expressed its dismay over the incident, noting it was inconsistent with the values of respect and integrity the organisation promotes among its employees.
In a statement, the broadcaster confirmed the staff member’s involvement and reassured the public of its editorial independence, dismissing any notions that the incident would have any influence on SABC News coverage.
“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,” the statement read.
“We would like to reiterate that SABC News is guided by the Editorial Code and maintains its editorial independence.”
The broadcaster indicated that it would pursue internal measures to address the staff member’s actions.
The African National Congress (ANC), too, has condemned Mkhize’s behaviour, emphasising that such conduct is unbecoming of its members and contrary to the principles of the organisation.
“The ANC has noted with disgust and disdain the behaviour of a woman aboard a domestic flight who acted in an unruly and unbecoming manner,” the party asserted in their public statement.
The ANC has initiated an investigation into her membership status, reaffirming that any individual misusing the party’s name does so at the risk of being disowned by the organisation.
“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,’’ the ANC continued.
“We call on all South Africans to act responsibly and in a manner that promotes unity and respect for one another.”
The Star