Ngizwe Mchunu in August made headlines for causing a stir on-board a FlySafair flight. Picture: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Former Ukhozi FM personality Ngizwe Mchunu has publicly responded to FlySafair after the airline sent him a letter suspending him from future flights about two weeks ago.
In a video posted online, Mchunu demands that FlySafair apologies to him and the entire Zulu nation for not allowing them to practise their traditions.
The impasse between FlySafair and Mchunu comes after he and a group of his associates broke out in Zulu song when they landed at the King Shaka International Airport about two weeks ago. The matter went viral after it was captured on video.
Mchunu, in his response vulgar response to the airline, explains that there are rules in KwaZulu-Natal and King Shaka International Airport and it is customary that people bow to the founding king of the Zulu nation when planes arrive and land at the airport.
According to Mchunu, he and his associates stood and sang a song when the plane landed, in praise of King Shaka. This is a song he claims should be sang at the King Shaka International airport out of respect of the late amaZulu king.
Mchunu has also demanded an urgent meeting with the CEO of the airline, but before doing so, he has already labelled him as “drunk” for sending him the email about him not being allowed on the airline in future.
“There is nothing that we did wrong. If there is something that we did wrong, why then were we not arrested because the law does not negotiate? We have rules here in KwaZulu-Natal and the airports.
“I am saying FlySafair must pack their bags and leave the King Shaka International airport.
“If you want to see our anger and frustration, you will never like it. Therefore, I would like to have an urgent meeting with the CEO of the airline. Nibhala incwadi ama email abolile, mgodoyi zinja, nidakiwe nina (you write rotten emails, you dogs, you’re drunk).”
Last month, Mchunu caused a stir on FlySafair flight FA 196. A video of Mchunu went viral where he is seen shouting at a FlySafair flight attendant as he and his entourage break out in song, disturbing other paying passengers.
Mchunu can be heard telling the flight attendant that it is tradition that they bow at the King Shaka International Airport.
The outspoken personality’s behaviour on the flight was shunned by many who argued that it was not proper flight etiquette, with some social media users citing that the media personality should be added to a no fly list for his antics.
@African_Spring, said: “This is inconsiderate to other passengers. They should have thrown them out and banned them from flying. There's a time and a place for everything.”
@kaMalambule posted: "I am Zulu. I support @FlySafair ! We can’t be misbahiving and hide behind a respected culture. In fact this guy is misleading the youth. He must be called to order!"
It is considered proper flight etiquette to be polite and considerate to other passengers and not cause unwanted disturbances such as being loud. International aviation laws insist on it for safety reasons.
Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair confirmed the incident on Saturday, August 24 on FA 196, and in a statement shared with IOL, said that action would be taken after the finalisation of a review of the incident.
“The cabin crew on flight FA169 encountered a group of passengers whose behaviour was disruptive and in violation of standard aviation safety protocols, including adherence to safety belt signs.
“Our Safety and Security Team is currently finalising its review of the incident. Appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with our procedures, which may include barring the individuals involved from future FlySafair flights.”
IOL