CAPE TOWN - National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams has hit back at Parliament’s claim that the laptop issued to him is not dysfunctional.
Adams was scheduled to testify before the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday, but his appearance was postponed after he reported problems with his parliamentary laptop, leading to a delay in him submitting his statement.
He blamed the delay on a faulty laptop, telling the commission that the device had caused him to miss critical emails. He said he had instead relied on phone calls and colleagues for updates about his work.
READ | Parliament disputes Fadiel Adams' faulty laptop claims at Madlanga Commission
Parliament has said there is no reason to replace the device, raising questions about the use and accountability of parliamentary resources.
Adams, however, disputed Parliament’s position and challenged officials to verify his claims with technicians at the institution.
“I challenge Parliament and you, the media, to go to Parliament. Go and speak to any one of the technicians. All of them have worked on my laptop at various intervals,” Adams said.
READ | 'Take the commission seriously': Madlanga reprimands Fadiel Adams
He also criticised Parliament’s handling of its infrastructure, referring to the 2023 fire that damaged parts of the parliamentary precinct.
“This is the same Parliament that burnt down and the cameras and the irrigation systems weren’t working. Nothing works at Parliament,” Adams said.