Community concerns about the rise in gang violence on the Cape Flats have placed the National Coloured Congress (NCC) and its leader, Fadiel Adams, in the spotlight. Despite accusations that he has been silent during this time of crisis, Adams insists that both he and his party are actively working on interventions.
Several safety groups and residents have publicly questioned the visibility of coloured leaders in responding to the surge of shootings. One resident voiced frustration, asking:
“Waa’s die coloured warrior Fadiel so stil? or any coloured leader or councillor for that matter. Hulle is almal stil while our flats bleed and our children die.”
Another resident expressed disappointment more bluntly, remarking:
“As long as they can lie lekker in bed.”
Such remarks reflect a sense of abandonment among residents living in the hardest-hit communities.
Speaking to the Daily Voice, Adams dismissed claims that he has been inactive. He emphasised his decision to remain rooted in high-risk areas, saying:
“I work and live in the most dangerous area in the country by choice because I believe we can save the situation.”
He reminded critics of recent actions, highlighting a motorcade through gang-ridden neighbourhoods:
“I was the one who called for the motorcade through the most gang infested areas two months ago. My car was in the lead. It was posted on Facebook. I live in the most volatile community in the country, when I step out of my gate in these communities.”
Adams explained that while he is prepared to confront the matter directly, it should not be viewed as a personal crusade:
“This is not a Fadiel Adams issue.”
The NCC has long advocated for military deployment to the Cape Flats in an effort to curb gun violence. However, Adams said these calls have been rejected by senior police officials.
This position contrasts with recent remarks made by acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalila, who told stakeholders in Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni that he had consulted experts on the possibility of bringing in the army. Cachalila said the advice was clear—military involvement was not a viable solution.
Despite that stance, Adams reiterated that his party is working towards practical interventions:
“We are not silent on the issue, we are working on a plan to bring stability. We are putting things in place to reduce the shootings, the fatalities and the killing of the innocent.”
Beyond gang violence, Adams and crime-fighting activist Hanif Loonat have indicated their intention to pursue legal action. They plan to lay charges of defeating the ends of justice against the National Prosecuting Authority and senior City of Cape Town officials, citing irregularities linked to tender 243Q at Grand Central Police Station.
In a media release, the NCC said:
“This has been ongoing case that the National Coloured Congress has brought to the attention of the Western Cape, and Honourable Sakeena Frenchman has requested from the Minister of Human Settlements to make available the forensic report that the City of Cape Town has been refusing to release.”
Searching for Stability Amid Uncertainty
The tension between community expectations and political responses reflects the complexity of addressing gang violence on the Cape Flats. While Adams has pushed back against claims of inaction, the calls from residents underline a deep yearning for visible leadership and tangible change.
