By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has condemned and noted with concern the footage of its staff member being restrained after a mid-air upset over the drinks service.
In the footage, the woman can be seen getting aggressive with staff aboard a FlySafair flight on December 26.
The woman appears to be intoxicated and requested more alcohol, however, staff declined to serve her more alcohol and the woman threw a tantrum.
The woman can also be heard making racist slurs towards the crew.
Crew are seen trying to restrain the woman who threw a drink in a flight attendant’s face and went on to physically push another staffer.
The woman can also be heard screaming; “You don’t know who my father is” to crew.
The woman has been identified as a member of staff at the SABC.
“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.
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.”
FlySafair spokesperson Kirby Gorden said that woman was handed over to police when the plane landed in Cape Town.
He said the woman was successfully restrained with the help of other passengers.
“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.