SABC employee faces Equality court after alleged racist incident on FlySafair flight

SABC staff member, Nobuntu “Nobs” Mhkize.

SABC staff member, Nobuntu “Nobs” Mhkize.

Published Jan 5, 2025

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Cape Town - SABC employee Nobuntu Mkhize may face may face appearing before the Equality Court with the input of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) after she was filmed allegedly making racist remarks and physically attacking cabin crew on a FlySafair flight on Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) from Durban to Cape Town.

The SAHRC’s Reverend Chris Nissen told Enca news they would be considering taking action against Mkhize.

The Democratic Alliance together with the air hostess has since filed criminal complaints against her.

SABC staff member, Nobuntu “Nobs” Mhkize, filmed during the flight.

Nissen was reported to have said that aviation rules were violated by Mkhize including the issue of dignity, which had to be addressed.

Cape Argus also tried to reach Nissen on Sunday for comment but to no avail. The SAHRC offices are set to re-open on Monday.

DA Western Cape Leader Tertuis Simmers, Subcouncil 15 Chairperson Angus McKenzie and other DA representatives were joined by the flight attendant at Bishop Lavis Police Station following the incident and opened a criminal cases such as crimen injuria and that of assault.

In a statement shared, Simmers said it sent a powerful message that racism would not be tolerated.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation also shared their concerns and said they regretted the incident and that all relevant channels and procedures would be conducted internally to engage with Mkhize.