Ex-SABC Brand Manager Nobuhle Mkhize Speaks Out After FlySafair Incident
JOHANNESBURG – Months after the controversial FlySafair altercation, former South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) brand manager Nobuhle Mkhize has spoken out, apologizing to the coloured community while also taking legal action against her former employer.
What Happened?
The incident, which took place shortly after Christmas 2024, saw Mkhize engage in a heated confrontation with a coloured flight attendant aboard a FlySafair flight from Cape Town. Viral videos captured her verbally attacking and insulting the crew member. Following a major public outcry and an investigation by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Mkhize was dismissed by the SABC.
Mkhize’s Apology and Legal Action
Mkhize later issued an apology, stating that her behavior was not reflective of her upbringing and insisting that she was not racist because she has coloured friends. Despite her apology, many South Africans rejected it, calling her sincerity into question.
She also revealed that she has served legal papers to both FlySafair and the South African Police Service (SAPS), alleging that she was strangled and pinned against the window during the altercation. Additionally, she claims her termination by the SABC was unfair and is now taking the matter to the Labour Court.
Mkhize maintains that she was not intoxicated, stating that she had only consumed two drinks before the incident. She also accused the flight attendant of initiating the confrontation.
Reactions and Backlash
Despite her apology, many social media users expressed skepticism. Comments on TimesLIVE’s Facebook page included:
“That is who you are. You just hid it very well, but the alcohol brought it to the surface.” – Ronald Clemo
“Only sorry because you were put on blast.” – Didi Jacobs
“Too late. It showed the truth about how you were brought up.” – Benna Mthethwa
Meanwhile, the Patriotic Alliance lodged a complaint with the SAHRC, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) filed a crimen injuria case against her. The South African Civil Aviation Authority also condemned her conduct in a statement released on December 30.
Somizi Mocks Mkhize in Viral Video
In a separate viral moment, Somizi Mhlongo poked fun at Mkhize in a video where he mimicked her on a flight, joking about creating drama. The clip left many South Africans in stitches, with one netizen quipping that he should have had a drink first.