Fadiel Adams Apologises to Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga for Repeatedly Referring to Him as Chief
- Fadiel Adams opened proceedings at the Madlanga Commission on 20 August 2026 by addressing Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga
- The Member of Parliament noted that the Chairperson of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry had reprimanded him the day before
- Justice Madlanga took issue with the National Coloured Congress leader constantly referring to him as Chief during his testimony
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — Fadiel Adams has publicly apologised to Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga for referring to him as ‘Chief’.
Justice Madlanga reprimanded Adams several times on 19 August 2026 for addressing him as "Chief" rather than by his correct title of Commissioner. Justice Madlanga is the Chairperson of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is probing allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system.
When the hearings began on 20 August 2026, Adams used his first opportunity to speak to place the matter squarely before the panel.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Adams addresses Justice Madlanga about the situation
As proceedings got underway, the National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader noted that Justice Madlanga reprimanded him the day before.
"I just want to firstly apologise if there was any slight. No harm was intended. In my view, and in the manner I speak to you, it was meant as a term of respect. But I do understand that the term of respect required at this stage is Commissioner, not Chief, and I profusely apologise."
Adams added that he had taken steps to ensure the error would not be repeated, saying that he made a note not to repeat the mistake.
Justice Madlanga accepts the apology
Justice Madlanga responded briefly, indicating he considered the matter resolved.
"From where I'm sitting, we have passed it. You apologised yesterday, and that's from me. That's the end of it," he said, before proceedings continued.
Ironically, Adams referred to Justice Madlang as Chief later in proceedings on 20 August and was forced to apologise again.
Other stories about Adams' Madlanga Commission appearances
- Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga reprimanded Adams and questioned whether he was taking the Commission seriously.
- Adams promised 'big bombs’ when he testified before the Madlanga Commission, but South Africans were sceptical.
- Adams told the Madlanga Commission not to take his social media comments seriously, describing himself as a fool.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
