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1. INTRODUCTION
This portfolio examines the multifaceted interplay between media, race, gender, representation,
terrorism, and communication markets within the South African context. Through critical
engagement with current news events and media content, it explores how the media both mirrors and
shapes dominant social values, ideologies, and power relations. The analysis begins with the
FlySafair incident involving a SABC employee to unpack how racism is constructed and maintained
in public discourse. It then explores how news values and agenda-setting theory influence public
perception, using the example of the U.S. government’s withdrawal of HIV funding. Gender
representation is interrogated through the lens of magazine advertising, illustrating how media
narratives reinforce traditional binaries of femininity and masculinity. The section on terrorism
investigates the media framing of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s social media activity during the 2021
unrest, highlighting the dynamics between media and political violence. The portfolio concludes by
addressing media ownership concentration in South Africa, reflecting on its broader implications for
content diversity, journalistic independence, and democratic communication.
2. MEDIA AND RACE
2.1. The term racism
Racism refers to the belief that certain races are inherently superior or inferior to others, which often
leads to discrimination and prejudice based on perceived racial differences. It can manifest in both
overt behaviours—such as derogatory language and physical aggression—as well as more subtle,
systemic forms embedded in institutions. Racism justifies unequal treatment and reinforces social
hierarchies rooted in race (Fourie 2018).
Summary of the Racial Incident
A racial incident was reported in the Daily Maverick on 30 December 2024, involving Nobuntu
Mkhize, a brand manager at the South African Broadcasting Corporation. The incident occurred on
26 December during a FlySafair flight from Durban to Cape Town (Pongweni 2024). Mkhize was
caught on camera behaving aggressively towards flight attendants, reportedly after being denied a
drink. Her behaviour escalated to physical assault and included racially charged comments targeting
a flight attendant. In the viral video, she was heard saying, “You’re a coloured from Mitchells Plain,
all these gold rings but no degree... You don’t even have a car.”
Mkhize also referred to herself as an “ANC bitch,” which drew criticism from the African National
Congress, who labelled her behaviour “disgusting” and launched an investigation. The Democratic
Alliance filed a criminal complaint for crimen injuria and disruptive behaviour. The South African
Civil Aviation Authority condemned the assault, and FlySafair banned her from future flights. Social
media played a key role in publicising the incident, with the video sparking national debate and calls
for accountability (Pongweni 2024).
1. INTRODUCTION
This portfolio examines the multifaceted interplay between media, race, gender, representation,
terrorism, and communication markets within the South African context. Through critical
engagement with current news events and media content, it explores how the media both mirrors and
shapes dominant social values, ideologies, and power relations. The analysis begins with the
FlySafair incident involving a SABC employee to unpack how racism is constructed and maintained
in public discourse. It then explores how news values and agenda-setting theory influence public
perception, using the example of the U.S. government’s withdrawal of HIV funding. Gender
representation is interrogated through the lens of magazine advertising, illustrating how media
narratives reinforce traditional binaries of femininity and masculinity. The section on terrorism
investigates the media framing of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s social media activity during the 2021
unrest, highlighting the dynamics between media and political violence. The portfolio concludes by
addressing media ownership concentration in South Africa, reflecting on its broader implications for
content diversity, journalistic independence, and democratic communication.
2. MEDIA AND RACE
2.1. The term racism
Racism refers to the belief that certain races are inherently superior or inferior to others, which often
leads to discrimination and prejudice based on perceived racial differences. It can manifest in both
overt behaviours—such as derogatory language and physical aggression—as well as more subtle,
systemic forms embedded in institutions. Racism justifies unequal treatment and reinforces social
hierarchies rooted in race (Fourie 2018).
Summary of the Racial Incident
A racial incident was reported in the Daily Maverick on 30 December 2024, involving Nobuntu
Mkhize, a brand manager at the South African Broadcasting Corporation. The incident occurred on
26 December during a FlySafair flight from Durban to Cape Town (Pongweni 2024). Mkhize was
caught on camera behaving aggressively towards flight attendants, reportedly after being denied a
drink. Her behaviour escalated to physical assault and included racially charged comments targeting
a flight attendant. In the viral video, she was heard saying, “You’re a coloured from Mitchells Plain,
all these gold rings but no degree... You don’t even have a car.”
Mkhize also referred to herself as an “ANC bitch,” which drew criticism from the African National
Congress, who labelled her behaviour “disgusting” and launched an investigation. The Democratic
Alliance filed a criminal complaint for crimen injuria and disruptive behaviour. The South African
Civil Aviation Authority condemned the assault, and FlySafair banned her from future flights. Social
media played a key role in publicising the incident, with the video sparking national debate and calls
for accountability (Pongweni 2024).
