Mixed Reactions as Fadiel Adams and Dereleen James Engage in Heated Debate at Parliament
- A tense parliamentary clash erupted between Fadiel Adams and Dereleen James
- During the exchange, James accused Adams of derailing the discussion as he attempted to raise a point
- Social media users reacted with mixed opinions on the heated exchange during the Ad Hoc Committee meeting
Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.
Source: Twitter
WESTERN CAPE, CAPE TOWN - A tense exchange broke out between Fadiel Adams and Dereleen James during a parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee meeting on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, after a disagreement over questioning and speaking time.
Fadiel Adams and Dereleen James clash at Ad Hoc
The clash occurred while members were discussing issues relating to the PKTT and accommodation arrangements, including references to locations such as Umhlanga Rocks and the Oyster Box in KwaZulu-Natal. During the exchange, James accused Adams of derailing the discussion as he attempted to raise a point. Adams responded that he was trying to complete his argument and asked for time to respond, arguing that members could not speak for several minutes and expect a response in only a few seconds.
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The discussion became increasingly heated as both MPs spoke over each other. Adams objected to what he described as shouting, telling James not to speak to him in that manner. At one point during the argument, Adams made a remark saying the only woman who shouts at him is the one he sleeps with, prompting reactions from members in the meeting. Calls were made for the participants to calm down, and the exchange briefly halted the proceedings.
South Africans weigh in
Social media users shared their opinions regarding the heated exchange.
@LammBoz said:
"Is he coming to the Madlanga Commission?"
@Waltz42747233 said:
"He thinks arrogance will save him."
@Sloja said:
"Adams out here fighting crime AND setting relationship boundaries in the same breath."
@oseabi1 said:
"Adams was right here. This lady has been screaming at witnesses and getting away with it; she is emotionally immature."
@kayizit said:
"I love Fadiel Adam's straightforwardness, which doesn't mince his words and is knowledgeable."
Source: Twitter
Other stories about the Ad Hoc
National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams does not believe that Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala is a member of the cartels operating in the country, saying that he's too small to be one. Adams, who is also a member of Parliament, made the statement before the Ad Hoc Committee, which is probing allegations of criminality, corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system.
Parliament’s legal team will send a request to Paul O’Sullivan, asking that he return to testify before the Ad Hoc Committee. The forensic investigator walked out of proceedings on 26 February 2026 before he was formally released by Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane, saying that he had a flight to catch. O’Sullivan walked out while he was still being questioned by Advocate Bongiwe Mkhize.
Sarah-Jane Trent broke down in tears during her appearance before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, prompting questions about whether she could continue giving testimony. Trent, a certified fraud examiner and former associate of Paul O’Sullivan, appeared before the committee.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
