Johannesburg – The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has received a report concerning the disruptive actions of Nobuntu Mkhize, a female staff member from SABC, on a FlySafair flight traveling from Durban to Cape Town.
On Monday, (30 December 2024), SACAA confirmed that it had come across several video clips circulating online, depicting a passenger displaying unruly behaviour on a FlySafair flight on Boxing Day, (Thursday, 26 December 2024).
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As the national regulator for civil aviation safety and security, SACAA confirmed that the airline has submitted a detailed report to law enforcement for further investigation.
Under Section 135 of the Civil Aviation Act, SACAA noted that unruly behaviour is considered an offence that may lead to a prison sentence of up to six months.
Failing to comply with or interfering with cabin crew directives constitutes a violation of civil aviation regulations, which may result in both fines and imprisonment.
Poppy Khoza, the SACAA Director of Civil Aviation, condemned the incident strongly, emphasizing the regulator’s commitment to a zero-tolerance stance against passengers who assault, threaten, intimidate, or obstruct cabin crew.
“It is crucial to acknowledge that cabin crew members are licensed as Safety Officers under the Civil Aviation Regulations,” Khoza stated.
“Their main duty is to uphold safety protocols and ensure passenger comfort.”
“The events aboard the aircraft were unfortunate and unacceptable as they compromised the safety of both passengers and crew.”
Khoza further added, “Unruly behaviour, disruption, or indecency on any aircraft endangers the aircraft and all its occupants, and this behaviour is simply unacceptable.”
“We urge all passengers to follow and respect the instructions provided by the crew to maintain safety.”
“South Africa has an exemplary record in air safety, and we must not let individual actions tarnish this reputation.”
“While we appreciate the cooperation of passengers during the incident, we also commend the cabin crew for their efforts in de-escalating the situation to ensure the safety of everyone on board.”
Upon arrival in Cape Town, the woman was handed over to the police.
FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gorden stated, “We strongly disapprove of any such behaviour. Flight attendants primarily function as safety officers, and disrupting their roles is a criminal offense.”
“This passenger will be added to our no-fly list and will be prohibited from future FlySafair flights.”
The African National Congress has distanced itself from the individual, who referenced the party during her confrontational exchanges with the cabin crew.
The Patriotic Alliance has announced intentions to file an official complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission against Mkhize.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a criminal complaint with the police against the passenger, alleging that she directed racial slurs towards the coloured community.
Mkhize maintains that she was neither intoxicated nor disruptive, claiming instead that she was a victim of an attack.
