Plans Legal Action
By Lerato Mpembe
Nobuntu “Nobs” Mkhize, once a brand manager at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), has issued a public apology for her actions during a controversial FlySafair incident on 26 December 2024, while announcing plans to sue her former employer for unfair dismissal. The altercation, which unfolded on a flight from Durban to Cape Town, saw Mkhize clash with cabin crew over a drink choice, leading to a viral video, her placement on FlySafair’s no-fly list, and an investigation by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) into alleged racist remarks.
The Incident That Shook South Africa
The drama began on Boxing Day last year aboard FlySafair flight FA-263, departing King Shaka International Airport in Durban at 20:30 for Cape Town International Airport. Mkhize, travelling with her partner, had visited the Slow Lounge before boarding, where she admitted to having “one or two drinks” but denied being intoxicated. “Having a drink or two at the Slow Lounge while you’re waiting to board, I don’t think that is considered being drunk,” she told Newzroom Afrika in an exclusive interview.
Seated near the back of the plane by the window, Mkhize requested a lighter wine than the Merlot offered by the flight attendant. “She took out a little can and she was like, ‘Here, have Merlot,’” Mkhize recounted, noting it was served “in closer” (a South African term for nearby or abruptly). She declined, citing the heaviness of red wine during travel, and asked for a Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet instead. The attendant refused, sparking a disagreement.
“I said, ‘No, I don’t want that,’ and asked for the menu,” Mkhize explained. The situation escalated when the attendant declared, “I will not serve you,” pushed the trolley away, and left. Mkhize, a self-described brand specialist, was shocked. “Since when do air hostesses force people to have a certain type of drink?” she asked, highlighting her belief in customer rights.
A Viral Clash and Public Outrage
The encounter quickly spiralled. The flight attendant returned with two colleagues, and what Mkhize called an “attack” ensued. Viral footage captured her throwing a can at the crew, followed by a scuffle involving passengers attempting to intervene. “They started insulting me, shouting… it was like a catfight,” she said, admitting to entering “animal mode” in the heat of the moment—an “out-of-body experience” driven by shock and self-defence.
During the altercation, Mkhize made derogatory remarks about the “coloured community,” including, “You coloureds from Mitchells Plain, you don’t even have a degree,” and references to taking an Uber while they’d use a taxi. The comments, recorded on video, ignited a firestorm online and drew condemnation from political parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Patriotic Alliance (PA).
Reflecting on her words, Mkhize apologised sincerely. “I’d like to take this opportunity to actually apologise to the coloured community because that’s not who I am and I was not raised like that,” she said, expressing regret for any offence. She argued the remarks stemmed from anger, not racism, citing South Africa’s Rainbow Nation context where teasing across communities is common, though she admitted, “In that context, I think it was wrong.”
FlySafair’s Firm Stance
FlySafair swiftly condemned Mkhize’s behaviour, stressing that cabin crew are “licensed safety officers” and interfering with their duties is a criminal offence under the Civil Aviation Act. The airline placed her on their no-fly list, a decision Mkhize’s legal team has challenged, suggesting she test it by booking a flight. “They’ve not formally communicated with me,” she noted, hinting at potential legal flaws in the ban.
Spokesperson Kirby Gordon told IOL in January 2025 that the crew acted to ensure passenger safety, refuting Mkhize’s claim they lied about her fighting for “the last glass of alcohol.” FlySafair maintained she was disruptive, a narrative Mkhize disputes. “If they had come out and said I was unruly, I would have apologised a long time ago,” she insisted, calling their version a “lie” that tarnished her reputation.
SABC Fallout and Legal Battle
The incident cost Mkhize her job at the SABC, where she was dismissed in early 2025. She contends the termination was rushed and unlawful. “They have fired me without doing an investigation, without even giving me a phone call,” she said, accusing the broadcaster of violating the Labour Relations Act. The SABC issued a statement in January, denouncing her actions as bringing the corporation into disrepute, but Mkhize claims they fuelled the controversy by linking her to the organisation without evidence she invoked it on the flight.
“I never said I work for the SABC,” she clarified. Instead, she referenced her father’s media background—“Do you know who my father is?”—and warned the crew their actions would hit the news, mentioning SABC and eTV. The ANC also distanced itself after she allegedly invoked their name, though she dodged questions about membership, saying, “My vote is my secret.”
Mkhize has since served letters of demand to FlySafair, the South African Police Service (SAPS)—who she claims failed to investigate properly post-incident—and plans to take the SABC to labour court. “How dare they do this? It’s unethical,” she said, vowing to fight for her career and reputation.
SAHRC and Political Backlash
The SAHRC launched an investigation into Mkhize’s remarks, with plans to pursue an Equality Court case. While they’ve not formally contacted her, the commission’s January 2025 statement labelled her comments “racist utterances,” a charge she contests. “When you look at our constitution… black people, Indians, coloureds, and Chinese fall under the same group due to apartheid,” she argued, suggesting her words were classist, not racist—a view many dispute.
The DA opened a crimen injuria and assault case against her, while the PA’s Kenny Kunene lodged an SAHRC complaint, later drawing criticism for his own remarks. In a viral clip, Kunene praised the “beautiful coloured girls” who “cleaned themselves” for work, contrasting them with Mkhize’s “cheap wig.” She called his comments racist and defamatory, adding fuel to the legal fire.
A Nation Divided: Social Media and Beyond
The incident exploded on X and other platforms, with #NobsFlySafair trending for weeks. Some users, like @AviLawSA, a group of aviation lawyers, supported Mkhize, questioning the crew’s use of cable ties to restrain her. “Where did the cable tires come in? Who authorised that?” they tweeted, offering pro bono advice. Others, including ordinary South Africans, shamed her, with one user writing, “She brought shame to herself and her family.”
International media, from BBC Africa to CNN, picked up the story, framing it as a microcosm of South Africa’s racial tensions. A US radio show, Rainbow Nation, explored “South Africa Through the Eyes of America,” questioning how such an incident reflects the country’s post-apartheid identity. Locally, Sunday Times and Mail & Guardian ran exposés, with the latter noting FlySafair’s 2024 safety awards juxtaposed against this PR crisis.
The Human Cost: Trauma and Reflection
Mkhize described the ordeal as traumatic. “They strangled me, pinned me to a point where I saw clouds,” she said, likening her reaction to a lion protecting its cubs. She admitted, “I could have handled it better,” but insisted self-defence drove her actions. The public shaming took a toll. “The abuse mentally, emotionally… it’s why people end up committing suicide,” she said, citing Netflix documentaries on social media’s dangers.
Her regret centres on her career and family’s reputation, not just the incident itself. “In terms of my reputation, my career, everything, I needed to come and explain,” she told Newzroom Afrika, hoping to shift the narrative. Yet, she remains defiant about FlySafair’s account. “There’s no sane person who would act the way I did for a glass of alcohol,” she said, standing by her version.
Broader Context: South Africa’s Service and Race Debate
The FlySafair saga taps into deeper issues. South Africans have long grumbled about airline service—Business Day reported in 2024 that budget carriers like FlySafair face rising complaints over inflexibility. Mkhize’s demand for options echoes a broader push for consumer rights in a country where “the customer is always right” often clashes with rigid policies.
Race, too, remains a fault line. The SAHRC’s 2024 annual report flagged a spike in racial incidents, with Equality Court cases up 15% since 2020. Mkhize’s remarks, however unintended, hit a nerve in a nation still healing from apartheid’s scars, amplified by social media’s unforgiving lens.
Legal Road Ahead
Mkhize’s lawsuits against FlySafair, SAPS, and the SABC are in early stages. Letters of demand were served last week, with no responses yet. Her labour case hinges on proving the SABC flouted due process—a claim bolstered by labour expert Terry Bell, who told Cape Argus that state-owned entities often bypass fair hearings in high-profile cases. Against FlySafair, she’ll challenge the no-fly ban and crew conduct, while her SAPS suit questions why no breathalyser or formal statement was taken post-flight.
FlySafair, meanwhile, stands firm. Legal analyst Pierre de Vos told News24 that airlines can refuse service over safety breaches, but excessive restraint could open them to liability—a grey area Mkhize’s team may exploit.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 97 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Makalo Mohale Appointed to Key Economic Advisory Council in Free State”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-097.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube