A heated mid-flight altercation on a FlySafair Boxing Day flight from Durban to Cape Town has gone viral, leading to passenger Nobuntu Mkhize being banned from future flights with the airline.
More videos of Nobuntu Mkhize’s shocking behaviour surfaces online
Video footage from the incident shows Mkhize, visibly intoxicated, demanding drinks from flight attendants and aggressively pulling one by the head during the confrontation.
The disruptive behaviour prompted passengers and crew to intervene, restraining her until the flight landed.
FlySafair confirmed that Mkhize has been placed on their no-fly list, a measure that cancels all future bookings and prohibits her from flying with the airline indefinitely.
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Who is Nobuntu Mkhize? – Here’s what we uncovered
An investigation into Nobuntu Mkhize’s background reveals her as a prominent figure in the media and marketing industry.
Currently serving as a Brand Manager at the SABC, Mkhize has built a career spanning two decades, holding roles at major organisations including Universal Music Group, Ster-Kinekor, and uShaka Marine World.
Born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhize excelled academically, graduating with distinction from St. John’s Diocesan School for Girls.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Film, Media, and Marketing from the University of Cape Town, followed by a diploma in Copywriting and Brand Management from the AAA School of Advertising.
Mkhize is also the daughter of the late Khaba Mkhize, a celebrated journalist and anti-apartheid activist.
Khaba Mkhize’s career included leading the Pietermaritzburg Echo during South Africa’s most turbulent years and producing works that championed peace and social justice.
This prestigious lineage stands in stark contrast to the controversy surrounding Nobuntu’s recent actions.
Following public backlash, the SABC issued a statement condemning Mkhize’s conduct, stressing that it does not reflect the organization’s values.
“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 broadcaster said.
The SABC confirmed it would address the matter internally using its relevant procedures.
Will Nobuntu be banned from other domestic airlines?
FlySafair’s no-fly list prohibits Mkhize from making new bookings with the airline until she pays for an auction process to appeal her ban.
Even then, the airline retains the discretion to uphold the ban permanently.
Whether other airlines will follow suit and ban Mkhize remains unclear.
While South Africa does not currently operate a unified no-fly list, similar behaviour on other airlines could see her facing broader consequences within the domestic aviation sector.
