Racist remarks in viral FlySafair flight sparks outrage from Mitchell’s Plain residents
Irate residents from Mitchell’s Plain have clapped back at racist comments made by Nobuntu “Nobs” Mkhize on a FlySafair flight to Cape Town.
The violent altercation, which has since gone viral on social media, has seen residents expressing disgust at Mkhize’s comments.
Mkhize, identified as a member of staff at the SABC, was caught in a spat with flight crew, allegedly after they refused to serve her more alcohol during the flight.
She boarded the flight from Durban on Boxing Day.
In the clip, Mkhize is seen pushing a coloured air hostess as she shouts “do your job”.
As other passengers intervene, she shouts: “You’re a coloured from Mitchell’s 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 [driver’s] licence. You don’t even have a car.”
Subcouncil chairperson, Franchesca Walker, said she was shocked after watching the video.
“I am from Eastridge and I was so disgusted to hear what she said. I am an executive politician from Tafelsig High and I grew up in Mitchell’s Plain.
“I have class, style, brains, self-respect, dignity and I drive a Ford Ranger 4x4. Where does this aunty get off?”
Professional driver, Vivienne van der Schuur, said Mkhize was in the wrong to assume that every coloured person was from Mitchell’s Plain.
The 48-year-old mom from Strandfontein, who was named Golden Arrow’s best driver, said individuals who made such comments was not mindful of the hurt they imposed on others.
Bridgette Roman from Rocklands said she was outraged by Mkhize’s comments and could not believe what was said.
“In this day and age to hear something like that. I am absolutely outraged. As a young woman growing up in Mitchell’s Plain, my parents never had cars and never drove.
“I learnt to drive to take my mom to hospital for dialysis and comments like this are shocking.”
In a statement, the SABC said: “The SABC regrets this incident, and always encourages staff members to uphold the SABC values of respect and integrity in all their interactions. In the video clip this staff member mentions the SABC and states that this incident will be broadcast on SABC News.
“We would like to reiterate that SABC News is guided by the Editorial Code and maintains its editorial independence, and the decisions pertaining to all news items are made in the Newsroom and not influenced by non- editorial staff members.”
The ANC has also distanced itself from Mkhize, who called herself an “ANC b*%#”.
“You don’t know who my father is... I am an ANC b*%#,” she could be heard yelling at officials and other passengers who were trying to calm down the situation.
In a statement, the ANC called her behaviour unruly and unbecoming and said it was contrary to the values and principles of the movement.
“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, and certainly not while misusing the good name of the ANC,” it said.
Meanwhile, FlySafair has confirmed that Mkhize will not board any of their aircrafts in future.
“This passenger will be placed on our no-fly list and will not be welcome on future FlySafair flights,” said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s chief marketing officer.
Additional reporting by IOL.