The ongoing controversy involving SABC employee Nobuntu Mkhize continues to escalate, drawing calls for justice from various organisations across the country.
In a series of videos that have been circulated widely on social media, Mkhize can be seen hurling insults at flight attendants over an alleged dispute regarding drinks.
She has since been placed on a no-fly list by FlySafair following a brawl aboard a domestic flight from Durban to Cape Town on Boxing Day.
Kirby Gorden, spokesperson for FlySafair, expressed the airline’s dismay at Mkhize’s behaviour, emphasising that interfering with the flight attendants’ duties is a criminal offence.
The incident has also caught the attention of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), which has since received a comprehensive report from the airliner involved.
The documentation has now been forwarded to law enforcement for further investigation.
The aviation authority details that the severity of the situation is underscored by Section 135 of the Civil Aviation Act, which categorises unruly behaviour as a transgression that may result in incarceration for up to six months.
Furthermore, any act of disobeying or interfering with the directives of cabin crew is strictly against civil aviation regulations, inviting potential fines in addition to custodial sentences.
Poppy Khoza, the director of Civil Aviation at SACAA, has openly condemned Mkhize’s actions, asserting the authority’s unwavering zero-tolerance policy towards passengers who threaten, assault, or intimidate airline personnel.
“It must be noted that cabin crew members are licensed as Safety Officers under the Civil Aviation Regulations,” Khoza stated.
“Their primary duty is to maintain safety protocols and ensure the comfort of passengers. The incident aboard the aircraft was unfortunate and distasteful, as it sought to undermine the safety of all on board.’’
“Nuisance, disorderly, or indecent acts on board any aircraft endanger the safety of both the aircraft and its occupants, and this cannot be tolerated. We urge all passengers to observe and heed the instructions of the crew. South Africa prides itself on a sterling record in aviation safety, a standard that cannot be compromised by the actions of any one individual.’’
The incident also sparked further reactions; today, the DA in the Western Cape filed a charge of crimen injuria against Mkhize for allegedly directing racially charged insults towards the coloured community during the incident.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) vowed to initiate a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), vowing to closely monitor the developments to ensure that justice is duly served.
The Star