SABC employee’s unruly behaviour on domestic flight condemned

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The South African Broadcasting Corporation(SABC) employee’s unruly behaviour on a domestic flight has been strongly condemned.

The incident took place on Boxing Day, December 26 on a flight from Durban to Cape Town.

In the video clip which has been widely circulated on social media, this staff member is seen in a heated dispute with flight attendants and passengers.

She referred to herself as an ‘ANC b**tch’ further asking if they knew who her father was and mentioned the SABC stating that this incident will be broadcast on SABC News.

“You’re a coloured from Mitchells 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 – By tomorrow, all of you will be unemployed,” she said.

The female also posted on her Facebook page and said her lawyers are dealing with the matter.

“Thanks guys4ur support: ‘traumatic viral video’, of my boyfriend and I, attacked on that plane. Our lawyers are on it,” she wrote.

FlySafair has confirmed that the woman caught in a viral verbal and physical altercation with staff, will not board any of their aircrafts in future, IOL reported.

“This passenger will be placed on our no-fly list and will not be welcome on future FlySafair flights,” the airline’s chief marketing officer, Kirby Gordon, remarked.

“We condemn any behaviour of this nature. Flight attendants have a primary duty as safety officers and interfering with their duties is a criminal offence,” he said.

In a statement issued condemning the incident, the public broadcaster said it always encourages staff members to uphold SABC values or respect and integrity in all their interactions.

“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,” head of communications, Mmoni Seapolelo added.

The African National Congress slammed the meltdown and distanced itself from the woman’s utterances, citing that they have initiated an investigation into her membership status.

National spokesperson Mahlengi Bengu-Motsiri said; “However, even if it confirmed that she is a member, her conduct is inexcusable and deeply embarrassing.

Formal complaint to be lodged against SABC employee

“The ANC will not allow its name to be dragged through the mud by individuals who fail to uphold the integrity and decorum expected of all South Africans, let alone members of our organisation.”

She further called on all South Africans to act responsibly and in a manner that promotes unity and respect for one another.

Meanwhile, the Patriotic Alliance said they will lodge a formal complaint with the South African human rights commission against the SABC employee’s racist conduct.

The party deputy president, Kenny Kunene said the offensive statements targeting members of the coloured community and her other disparaging remarks undermine the spirit of unity, dignity, and respect that or constitution seeks to uphold

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“Racism, irrespective of its source, has no place in South Africa. As a nation that has endured the scars of racial injustice, we must remain vigilant in rejecting all forms of discrimination. No individual, regardless of their position or background, is above the law.

“We also urge the SABC to take firm and decisive action to address this incident. This case serves as a reminder that public figures carry a responsibility to act with integrity and respect and we call on all South Africans to reject racism and work together to build a nation rooted in unity, equality, and mutual respect,” he concluded.