Bulelwa Hoala

The woman who was filmed causing havoc on a FlySafair flight from Durban to Cape Town on Boxing Day has been identified as a South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) employee.
The woman is alleged to have been intoxicated and reportedly lost her temper when the cabin crew refused to serve her drinks. In numerous videos recorded and shared on social media, the woman can be seen swearing and shoving flight attendants and fellow passengers as they try to restrain her.
A passenger on FlySAFair was allegedly intoxicated on a flight and started a fight after they refused her more alcohol.
— Sanna (@LesNew5) December 27, 2024
Cosatu | Boxing Day | Zimbabwe | Manchester | Zanu | Nabi | Makhadzi pic.twitter.com/4zJSftl19J
In a media statement released on Saturday, 28 December the SABC said they condemn the staff member’s conduct on the flight.
MEDIA STATEMENT | THE SABC CONDEMNS STAFF MEMBER’S CONDUCT ON A FLIGHT
— SABC (@SABCPortal) December 28, 2024
The SABC has noted with concern, audio-visual material circulating on various social media platforms featuring a staff member travelling on a South African airline.
For more: https://t.co/zAZ0Xy8Pi2 pic.twitter.com/HIr6YDbswg
“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 SABC will use the relevant channels in line with its internal procedures to engage the staff member,” the statement reads.
According to News24 the Chief Marketing Officer of FlySafair, Kirby Gordon, confirmed that the woman was taken into police custody when the plane landed in Cape Town.
“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. This passenger will be placed on our no-fly list and will not be welcome on future FlySafair flights,” he said.
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