Mpho Popps and Shanray Van Wyk Poke Fun at Airlink Flyover Controversy in Hilarious Skit
- People Need Comedy released a sketch mocking the Airlink flyover stunt that sparked international backlash over the Springboks vs All Blacks game
- The skit features four comedians dressed as airline captains role-playing a chaotic flyby over Cape Town Stadium in support of the Springboks
- Mzansi erupted in laughter, with fans calling it the funniest take on the controversy yet
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South African comedy collective People Need Comedy (PNC) dropped a sketch on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, that had Mzansi in absolute stitches — and it could not have been better timed. The skit takes direct aim at the Airlink flyover that sent shockwaves across the globe just days earlier, when the airline's pilots buzzed DHL Stadium in Cape Town during the Springboks versus All Blacks match.
The real-life stunt drew fierce international criticism, with headlines labelling the manoeuvre "dangerous." Despite Airlink insisting the flyby was "carefully planned and rehearsed" and Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie stepping in to defend the pilots, the internet had already caught fire. Local comedians Mpho Pops, Thabiso Mhlongo, Shanray Van Wyk, and a fourth cast member wasted no time suiting up in novelty captain hats and headphones to give their version of events.
Mpho Popps turns Airlink flyover drama into comedy gold
The sketch, filmed in a mock cockpit complete with visible controls, an EXIT sign, and a window looking out onto a tarmac, opens with a drowsy Mhlongo being roused from sleep. His enthusiasm for the impromptu mission kicks in the moment someone mentions that Nthabiseng is at the stadium. From there, "Captain Jabulani Mcigozi" takes to the intercom to inform passengers they will be descending from 20,000 feet to fly past the stadium for the Springboks name-checking "people like Siya" and "people like Kolisi" along the way.
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Things spiral quickly. A second aircraft, piloted by "Captain Llewelyn Nommers" and co-pilot "Marvin Poinkies," joins the formation but gets distracted arguing about Google Maps directions before nearly racing the first plane to the stadium. The chaos peaks when a Twinkies bar causes the captain to lose focus mid-descent, sending both aircraft dangerously close to the stands. Stock footage of real Airlink planes and a burst of pink smoke powder round out the absurdist production.
"Did you see Cheslyn?" asks Nommers' co-pilot after pulling up. "Yerrrr, I nearly saw my g*t," Nommers replies.
Watch the Airlink flyover comedy skit by clicking the link.
Mzansi reacts to Mpho Popps' skit
The sketch landed perfectly for a country already deep in conversation about the original stunt. Fans flooded the comments:
Belinda West wrote:
"This marketing stunt is gaining much mileage for Airlink 🤣🤣"
Sherilee Swanepoel said:
"Jirrrrr! This was the funniest skit of ALL the skits I have seen on this fly past!💯🤣😂🤣😂 crackup!"
Ellie Hasapis commented:
"The South African humour is like none other in the world 🌎 🤣🤣🤣🤣"
Nkosi Mntimande added:
"All I can say is that this country is everything ❤️ 😆 🇿🇦 not my Coloured brothers adding exhausts and sunroofs to a plane that's not theirs😆 🤣 🔥"
Henrietta Haywood said:
"This is hilarious 🤣 all the in-jokes only a Saffer will get!🤪"
Louwret Kraftt criticised:
"Would have been hilarious without the blasphemy!"
Source: Instagram
Trevor Noah's 'world-class pilots' joke goes viral
In related news, Briefly News reported that a resurfaced Trevor Noah stand-up clip about SA pilots took on a whole new meaning following the viral flyover.
While international audiences debated the safety of the flyover, South Africans flooded social media with memes and jokes.
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Source: Briefly News
