Drunk Passenger Drama
By Lerato Mpembe
Nobuntu Mkhize, a South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Brand Manager, is threatening legal action against FlySafair and the South African Police Service (SAPS) following an altercation on a Boxing Day flight that has since gone viral. The 43-year-old claims she was mistreated by airline staff and police after being accused of disruptive behaviour, including allegedly being drunk, throwing a drink can, and making racial remarks.
The incident, captured on video by other passengers, occurred on 26 December 2024, during a FlySafair flight from Durban to Cape Town. It has sparked widespread public outrage and condemnation from political parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
Details of the Incident
According to video footage shared on social media, Mkhize demanded to be served alcohol, and when denied, she engaged in a heated confrontation with FlySafair crew members. The altercation escalated to the point where Mkhize allegedly threw a can of Coke at a crew member and hurled racial insults, saying:
“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 licence. You don’t even have a car.”
In one of the clips, Mkhize is seen resisting restraint by crew members and other passengers, repeatedly raising her voice and claiming mistreatment.
Legal and Airline Responses
After the plane landed at Cape Town International Airport, SAPS officers arrested Mkhize under the Civil Aviation Act No. 13 of 2009 for disruptive and riotous behaviour. However, the charges were temporarily withdrawn pending further investigation, with police stating that additional charges of assault and crimen injuria would be added.
FlySafair has since banned Mkhize from flying with the airline. Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s spokesperson, defended the crew’s handling of the situation, stating:
“We applaud our teams for managing the situation in line with our standard operating procedures, which are approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.”
Mkhize’s Version of Events
Mkhize has denied being drunk and insists that she was sober during the flight. She claims the incident began when she requested a specific drink and was met with hostility by a crew member, who allegedly responded in isiXhosa, calling her “uyadika” (you are annoying).
“I had only one whiskey at the airport lounge before the flight. I was sober as a judge,” Mkhize said. “The crew refused to serve me for no valid reason. When I asked for an explanation, they provoked me.”
Mkhize also dismissed allegations of physical aggression, stating:
“I didn’t throw the Coke can at the crew member; I threw it on the floor because I was irritated.”
She further claimed ignorance of aviation laws prohibiting violent or disruptive behaviour on board aircraft.
Public Reactions and Condemnations
Political Condemnations
The DA and PA have publicly criticised Mkhize’s behaviour. The PA, in particular, plans to file a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission regarding her racial remarks.
SABC’s Statement
The SABC expressed regret over the incident, distancing itself from Mkhize’s actions. In a statement, the broadcaster emphasised its core values of respect and integrity, adding that internal procedures are underway to address Mkhize’s conduct.
ANC’s Response
The African National Congress (ANC) also condemned Mkhize’s behaviour, particularly her invocation of the party’s name during the altercation. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stated:
“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, while invoking the name of the ANC as if to justify her actions.”
The ANC has launched an investigation into Mkhize’s membership status, asserting that her conduct does not align with the party’s values.
Mkhize’s Legal Threats
Mkhize has announced her intention to sue both FlySafair and SAPS for what she claims was provocation and mistreatment. She argues that the airline’s refusal to serve her and the police’s handling of the situation were both unjustified.
“I want to sue both the SAPS as well as the airline, finish and klaar. If it means we meet in court, so be it,” Mkhize stated.
She also questioned the claims that she was drunk, saying:
“Did they see me drink on the plane? Did they draw my blood to test? No, they didn’t. This was a planned attack on me.”
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