Former Ukhozi FM radio personality and outspoken traditionalist, Ngizwe Mchunu, has once again found himself in hot water, this time for causing a commotion on a FlySafair flight from Cape Town to Durban.
Mchunu, who was travelling with a group of supporters, sparked outrage among fellow passengers when he and his entourage began chanting Zulu traditional songs as they boarded the plane. The chanting, which was described as loud and continuous, quickly caught the attention of fellow passengers, some of whom felt uncomfortable with the display.
In a video shared on X by @Mlimo_Insider, Mchunu can be heard saying: “This is King Shaka International Airport and the Zulu culture must be respected.”
WATCH: Ngizwe Mchunu quarreling with a flight attendant at King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
Mchunu and his crew were on a Cape Town bound flight, and they started chanting Zulu traditional slogans, and that led to other passengers to complain. @ScrollaAfrica pic.twitter.com/5BbpMO70V6— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) August 25, 2024
The chanting continued throughout the flight, culminating in complaints from flight attendants who politely requested that the group stop as the plane was about to land. However, this request was met with resistance from Mchunu, who is known for his strong beliefs in celebrating Zulu traditions.
"We were happy because we had just had a wonderful and successful festival in Cape Town. We had to acknowledge King Shaka as our ancestor because the airport is also named after him," Mchunu explained to ZiMoja.
He also claimed that there were white rugby players singing on the same flight, but no one complained.
"They were singing mid-air but no one complained. Do you see racism still exists?" he asked rhetorically.
Mchunu's actions sparked a heated debate on social media, with some praising him for standing up for his culture, while others expressed concern that his behaviour might cast a negative light on the Zulu community as a whole.
One user commented on X, “Not in Zulu Name! Zulu Culture is centred around respect! We can’t accept such barbaric behaviour!.”
Another user said, “Now he is even used to drag our name down as uZulu… sdididi somuntu… this is not our image.”
One commenter wrote, “Unfortunately he is right. King Shaka International Airport. Why doesn’t it represent King Shaka and tribal culture??.”
Another said, “He must be banned from airports.”
The situation escalated further when the flight landed at King Shaka International Airport. Mchunu, who was also heard instructing passengers to bow when they arrived at the airport, shouting: "Bayede," and his fans following with "Wena we Ndlovu," continued his disruptive behaviour.
Police were allegedly called to the tarmac to deal with the situation, and Mchunu and his supporters were reportedly delayed at the airport while other passengers disembarked.
"We sat on the plane for one hour waiting for the police while other passengers left," Mchunu said.
He added that although they were delayed by the police, they were eventually cleared to leave the flight because police could not find anything to charge them with. "We were just singing. There was no drama. I don't know why they made such a big fuss. I was told that they've banned me from flying with them. But who cares?" he said.
FlySafair confirmed the incident in a statement, stating that 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 finalising its review of the incident. Appropriate action will be taken in accordance with our procedures, which may include barring the individuals involved from future FlySafair flights," said FlySafair marketing officer, Kirby Gordon.
Mchunu's actions have drawn criticism from various quarters, with many condemning his behaviour as disrespectful and disruptive.
This incident has once again brought to light Mchunu's penchant for causing controversy and his disregard for established norms and regulations.
