SABC’s Nobuntu Mkhize Alleges Racial Bias in Airline Incident
Mkhize claimed that she was being mistreated because of her race.
SABC's Nobuntu Mkhize Alleges Racial Bias in Airline Incident
Nobuntu ‘Nobs' Mkhize, a brand manager at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has claimed that she was not drunk when the incident aboard the FlySafair ariline happened.
She said she is going to sue the airline and South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mkhize's rant was caught on video, on a flight from Durban to Cape Town on December 26.
She is heard verbally abusing and later seen hurling items at FlySafair air hostesses after they allegedly refused to serve her alcohol.
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She also refers to herself as an “ANC b*%#” and tells staff that nothing can happen to her – this has prompted an investigation by the party and condemnation of her tirade.
The DA's Western Cape Leader Tertuis Simmers and DA sub council 15 chairperson Angus McKenzie laid the charge at the Bishop Lavis police station.
The charge is due to Mkhize's racial slurs hurled at the coloured staffer.
Meanwhile, the Patriotic Alliance has also indicated that it will lodge a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
SABC's Nobuntu Mkhize Alleges Racial Bias in Airline Incident
Speaking to News24, Mkhize said she was sober as a judge and disputed claims that she was drunk.
She said she was upset when flight staff refused to serve her and further alleged that an air hostess was speaking about her in isiXhosa.
Mkhize, daughter of the late veteran journalist, Khaba Mkhize, claimed that she was being mistreated because of her race.
FlySafair confirmed to IOL that Mkhize has been added to the airline's no-fly list.
The SABC has also issued a statement, saying “the matter would be addressed through internal procedures”.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has slammed Mkhize's behaviour and further commended the efforts by the flight crew to regain control of the situation.
“It must be noted that cabin crew members are licensed as safety officers under the Civil Aviation Regulations. Their primary duty therefore is to ensure safety protocols are always maintained as well as the comfort of passengers,” said SACAA Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza.
She said the incident aboard the aircraft was unfortunate and distasteful as it sought to undermine the safety of passengers and crew.
