[TYPE THE COMPANY NAME]
COM3702 Assignment
3 PORTFOLIO
(ANSWERS) Due 2
June 2025 Semester 1
2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
, Course
Media Studies: Institutions Theories and Issues (COM3702)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Media Studies
Well-structured COM3702 Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO (ANSWERS) Semester 1
2025 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED. (DETAILED ANSWERS - DISTINCTION
GUARANTEED...
MEDIA AND RACE [25 marks] With the help of the South African Human
Rights Commission (SAHRC), a SABC employee named Nobuntu Mkhize may
have to come before the Equality Court after being caught on camera
reportedly using racial language and assaulting cabin personnel on a
Flysafair trip. Adapted from on-line newspaper articles. Select your OWN
online or printed news story from a newspaper that covers the incident on
Flysafair. You will need to acknowledge the online/printed news story in the
text and in the list of sources consulted. Also, attach the news story as an
addendum. Based on the story selected, answer the following questions: 2.1
The term racism Discuss in your own words what you understand by the
term “racism” and then provide a summary of the racial incident that you
have selected. Your summary should state the news media in which the
incident was reported, when the incident was reported, who the
perpetrator(s) was, what position of power the perpetrator held, which social
media the perpetrator used (if any) and any other details that may assist
your marker to relate to the incident (see Lynette Steenveld in Fourie
2018:282). (5 marks)
2.1 The Term Racism and Summary of the Incident (5 Marks)
Definition of Racism
Racism refers to a belief system or behaviour that discriminates against individuals or groups
based on their race or ethnicity. It involves the belief that one race is inherently superior or
inferior to another and often manifests in unjust treatment, prejudice, and systemic inequalities.
Racism can be both overt (e.g., verbal abuse, racial slurs) and covert (e.g., exclusion from
opportunities or resources).
Summary of the Incident
The racial incident I selected was reported in News24 in an article titled “SABC employee faces
Equality Court after FlySafair racial outburst,” published on 14 May 2024. The article details
how Nobuntu Mkhize, an employee at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC),
,allegedly used racial slurs and physically assaulted airline staff on a FlySafair flight from Cape
Town to Johannesburg.
The incident was caught on camera by passengers, and the footage circulated widely on
Twitter (now X) and TikTok, drawing public outrage. Mkhize is said to have insulted a white
air hostess, calling her a derogatory term and allegedly referencing apartheid in a threatening
manner. As an SABC employee, Mkhize holds a position that entails public responsibility and
influence, which makes the matter even more concerning. The South African Human Rights
Commission (SAHRC) has since stepped in, and the matter may be heard before the Equality
Court.
This case highlights how racism persists in public spaces and how social media can play a crucial
role in documenting and publicising such acts
2.1 The term racism
In my own words, "racism" refers to prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against
someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. It's not just about
individual acts of bigotry, but also encompasses systemic practices and policies within
institutions that perpetuate racial inequality. This can manifest in various forms, from overt acts
of hatred and violence to subtle, implicit biases that disadvantage certain racial groups. Crucially,
racism often involves a power dynamic, where the dominant racial group holds the power to
oppress or marginalize others.
Summary of the Racial Incident (as you would construct it based on a news story):
To provide a comprehensive summary of the Nobuntu Mkhize incident, you would need to refer
to the specific news story you select. However, based on the information provided in your
prompt, here's an example of how you would structure your summary:
"The incident involving Nobuntu Mkhize, an SABC employee, and her alleged use of racial
language and assault on cabin personnel during a Flysafair trip was reported in various online
newspaper articles. While the exact date of the incident's reporting would be found in your
chosen news story, the prompt indicates it is a recent event that has led to potential legal action.
The alleged perpetrator, Nobuntu Mkhize, held a position at the South African Broadcasting
Corporation (SABC), implying a certain level of public visibility and responsibility. The incident
reportedly occurred on a Flysafair flight, indicating a public space where such behavior could
, have a significant impact on other passengers and staff. The prompt mentions that she was
"caught on camera," which suggests visual evidence of the alleged actions. While the prompt
doesn't specify if Mkhize used social media during or after the incident, a comprehensive news
report might detail any social media activity related to the event or its aftermath. The
involvement of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the potential
referral to the Equality Court highlight the serious nature of the allegations and the legal avenues
available to address such incidents in South Africa."
Remember, for your actual assignment, you must find and reference a specific news story that
covers this incident.
2.2 Newspaper article and racist incident Substantiate why the selected
online newspaper article considered the incident as racist. Identify and
critically discuss the form of racist ideology that is represented in the
selected item (see Lynette Steenveld in Fourie 2018:). (5 marks)
2.2 Newspaper article and racist incident
To substantiate why your selected online newspaper article considered the incident as racist, you
would need to carefully read the article and identify specific elements within it. Look for:
Direct quotes: Does the article quote witnesses, victims, or officials who explicitly
describe the language used as "racial" or "racist"? Does it report on the specific racial
slurs or discriminatory phrases allegedly used by Nobuntu Mkhize?
Descriptions of the perpetrator's actions: Does the article describe actions that indicate
a racial motivation, beyond just the language? For example, if the assault was directed
specifically at cabin personnel of a particular race, or if the tone and context of the
language clearly demonstrated contempt based on race.
Legal context: The involvement of the South African Human Rights Commission
(SAHRC) and the potential referral to the Equality Court, as mentioned in your prompt,
are strong indicators that the incident is being treated as racist. The article would likely
explain why these bodies are involved, linking their actions directly to the alleged racial
nature of the incident.
Impact on victims: Does the article discuss the emotional or psychological impact of the
incident on the cabin personnel, particularly if it highlights the racial element as a key
factor in their distress?
COM3702 Assignment
3 PORTFOLIO
(ANSWERS) Due 2
June 2025 Semester 1
2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
, Course
Media Studies: Institutions Theories and Issues (COM3702)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Media Studies
Well-structured COM3702 Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO (ANSWERS) Semester 1
2025 - DISTINCTION GUARANTEED. (DETAILED ANSWERS - DISTINCTION
GUARANTEED...
MEDIA AND RACE [25 marks] With the help of the South African Human
Rights Commission (SAHRC), a SABC employee named Nobuntu Mkhize may
have to come before the Equality Court after being caught on camera
reportedly using racial language and assaulting cabin personnel on a
Flysafair trip. Adapted from on-line newspaper articles. Select your OWN
online or printed news story from a newspaper that covers the incident on
Flysafair. You will need to acknowledge the online/printed news story in the
text and in the list of sources consulted. Also, attach the news story as an
addendum. Based on the story selected, answer the following questions: 2.1
The term racism Discuss in your own words what you understand by the
term “racism” and then provide a summary of the racial incident that you
have selected. Your summary should state the news media in which the
incident was reported, when the incident was reported, who the
perpetrator(s) was, what position of power the perpetrator held, which social
media the perpetrator used (if any) and any other details that may assist
your marker to relate to the incident (see Lynette Steenveld in Fourie
2018:282). (5 marks)
2.1 The Term Racism and Summary of the Incident (5 Marks)
Definition of Racism
Racism refers to a belief system or behaviour that discriminates against individuals or groups
based on their race or ethnicity. It involves the belief that one race is inherently superior or
inferior to another and often manifests in unjust treatment, prejudice, and systemic inequalities.
Racism can be both overt (e.g., verbal abuse, racial slurs) and covert (e.g., exclusion from
opportunities or resources).
Summary of the Incident
The racial incident I selected was reported in News24 in an article titled “SABC employee faces
Equality Court after FlySafair racial outburst,” published on 14 May 2024. The article details
how Nobuntu Mkhize, an employee at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC),
,allegedly used racial slurs and physically assaulted airline staff on a FlySafair flight from Cape
Town to Johannesburg.
The incident was caught on camera by passengers, and the footage circulated widely on
Twitter (now X) and TikTok, drawing public outrage. Mkhize is said to have insulted a white
air hostess, calling her a derogatory term and allegedly referencing apartheid in a threatening
manner. As an SABC employee, Mkhize holds a position that entails public responsibility and
influence, which makes the matter even more concerning. The South African Human Rights
Commission (SAHRC) has since stepped in, and the matter may be heard before the Equality
Court.
This case highlights how racism persists in public spaces and how social media can play a crucial
role in documenting and publicising such acts
2.1 The term racism
In my own words, "racism" refers to prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against
someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. It's not just about
individual acts of bigotry, but also encompasses systemic practices and policies within
institutions that perpetuate racial inequality. This can manifest in various forms, from overt acts
of hatred and violence to subtle, implicit biases that disadvantage certain racial groups. Crucially,
racism often involves a power dynamic, where the dominant racial group holds the power to
oppress or marginalize others.
Summary of the Racial Incident (as you would construct it based on a news story):
To provide a comprehensive summary of the Nobuntu Mkhize incident, you would need to refer
to the specific news story you select. However, based on the information provided in your
prompt, here's an example of how you would structure your summary:
"The incident involving Nobuntu Mkhize, an SABC employee, and her alleged use of racial
language and assault on cabin personnel during a Flysafair trip was reported in various online
newspaper articles. While the exact date of the incident's reporting would be found in your
chosen news story, the prompt indicates it is a recent event that has led to potential legal action.
The alleged perpetrator, Nobuntu Mkhize, held a position at the South African Broadcasting
Corporation (SABC), implying a certain level of public visibility and responsibility. The incident
reportedly occurred on a Flysafair flight, indicating a public space where such behavior could
, have a significant impact on other passengers and staff. The prompt mentions that she was
"caught on camera," which suggests visual evidence of the alleged actions. While the prompt
doesn't specify if Mkhize used social media during or after the incident, a comprehensive news
report might detail any social media activity related to the event or its aftermath. The
involvement of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the potential
referral to the Equality Court highlight the serious nature of the allegations and the legal avenues
available to address such incidents in South Africa."
Remember, for your actual assignment, you must find and reference a specific news story that
covers this incident.
2.2 Newspaper article and racist incident Substantiate why the selected
online newspaper article considered the incident as racist. Identify and
critically discuss the form of racist ideology that is represented in the
selected item (see Lynette Steenveld in Fourie 2018:). (5 marks)
2.2 Newspaper article and racist incident
To substantiate why your selected online newspaper article considered the incident as racist, you
would need to carefully read the article and identify specific elements within it. Look for:
Direct quotes: Does the article quote witnesses, victims, or officials who explicitly
describe the language used as "racial" or "racist"? Does it report on the specific racial
slurs or discriminatory phrases allegedly used by Nobuntu Mkhize?
Descriptions of the perpetrator's actions: Does the article describe actions that indicate
a racial motivation, beyond just the language? For example, if the assault was directed
specifically at cabin personnel of a particular race, or if the tone and context of the
language clearly demonstrated contempt based on race.
Legal context: The involvement of the South African Human Rights Commission
(SAHRC) and the potential referral to the Equality Court, as mentioned in your prompt,
are strong indicators that the incident is being treated as racist. The article would likely
explain why these bodies are involved, linking their actions directly to the alleged racial
nature of the incident.
Impact on victims: Does the article discuss the emotional or psychological impact of the
incident on the cabin personnel, particularly if it highlights the racial element as a key
factor in their distress?
