Racist Rant on FlySafair Flight: Drunken Passenger’s Outburst Triggers Political Firestorm

A FlySafair flight traveling from Durban to Cape Town on December 26th spiraled into chaos when a passenger, identified as an employee of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), became belligerent after being denied additional alcohol. The incident, which has since sparked widespread outrage, was captured on video by several passengers. These recordings reveal disturbing scenes of both verbal and physical aggression, including (trigger warning) the use of racial slurs, prompting a sharp reaction from the African National Congress (ANC), the once-dominant political party.

According to eyewitnesses, the trouble began even before takeoff, as the passenger reportedly boarded the flight already appearing visibly intoxicated. During the journey, she insisted on being served more alcohol, a request that was declined by the cabin crew in adherence to airline policy. This refusal triggered a series of escalating incidents.

In one particularly alarming moment, the passenger allegedly threw her drink in the face of a flight attendant and physically shoved another crew member. Her tirade included repeatedly hurling racial slurs and shouting inflammatory remarks such as, “You don’t know who my father is,” and “I’m an ANC b**ch.” She also bizarrely claimed to be a “mystery shopper,” apparently in an attempt to justify her behavior or intimidate the crew.

The shocking nature of the incident and the passenger’s apparent links to a prominent broadcaster and political affiliations have drawn widespread condemnation, with many calling for accountability and stricter measures to address unruly behavior on flights.

continued her tirade, prompting them to restrain her with handcuffs. Upon the flight’s arrival in Cape Town, she was handed over to local authorities for further action. Despite the gravity of the incident, the passenger later posted on social media, claiming to be the victim and stating that her legal team was addressing the matter. The post has since been deleted.

FlySafair has taken swift action in response to the incident, with a spokesperson confirming that the woman has been placed on the airline’s no-fly list. The spokesperson issued a strong statement, emphasizing the airline’s zero-tolerance policy for such behavior:

“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. After the police get involved [in] matters like this, they manage the situation and we don’t get insight into what transpires.”

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), where the passenger is reportedly employed, has also addressed the situation. In an official statement, the broadcaster expressed regret over the incident and reminded the public of its commitment to upholding values such as respect and integrity:

“The South African Broadcasting Corporation has noted with concern, audio-visual material circulating on various social media platforms featuring a staff member travelling on a South African airline. The SABC regrets this incident and always encourages staff members to uphold the SABC values of 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.”

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC), whose name the passenger invoked during her tirade, has unequivocally distanced itself from her behavior. In a strongly worded statement, the ANC condemned her actions, stressing that no individual has the right to act in such an offensive and inappropriate manner, regardless of their political affiliation:

“The African National Congress (ANC) has noted with disgust and disdain the behaviour of a woman aboard a domestic flight who acted in an unruly and unbecoming manner while invoking the name of the ANC as if to justify her actions.

“Regardless of whether this individual is a member of the ANC, we unequivocally state that no person has the right to behave in such an unacceptable manner, and certainly not while misusing the good name of the ANC.”

The incident has sparked significant debate online, with many expressing disbelief at the sheer audacity of the passenger’s actions. It has also highlighted broader concerns about disruptive behavior on flights, a phenomenon that many associate with airlines notorious for unruly incidents, such as Spirit Airlines in the United States. However, this episode serves as a stark reminder that such behavior knows no borders and is a global issue.