The Ace of plots

[SAICA]( [Mail & Guardian Newsletter logo](#) [mg.co.za]( [The Ampersand Daily Newsletter from the M&G team](#) [Divider Strip] September 25 2020 | [View in browser]( [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( Hi there, Is there chicanery afoot in the ruling party? In our latest news about fear and loathing on the ANC reform trail, factions in several provinces are failing to abide by the dictates of the national executive committee's (NEC's) decision that leaders who face corruption charges step aside from state and party posts. This and more broken down in this week's Mail & Guardian - available in print and online. Paddy Harper and Athandiwe Saba report that a [there's a standoff between the ANC factions in several provinces]( over the decision by the party's NEC to cleanse it of leaders facing corruption charges. This has seeped into the committee as well, with some members even considering legal action if they are targeted. One senior ANC member said the lists were a mistake, because the decision was taken too hastily: "There is corruption to target individuals, and there is that which is real and affecting ordinary South Africans. The NEC made this decision thinking that proper processes would be followed. Let me tell you there are no processes ... This thing is being done to target certain individuals." One of those refusing to budge is Andile Lungisa. Sabelo Skiti reports that the [convicted Nelson Mandela Bay councillor]( is hanging on to his job despite yesterday marking his first week as a guest of the correctional services department in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Accompanied by scores of ANC activists, Lungisa cast himself a political prisoner last week when he reported to the North End prison on Patterson Street -- commonly known as "Rooi Hell" -- to begin his two-year sentence for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. "I acknowledge that I have been convicted on a charge of assault due to me protecting myself during a scuffle in a council meeting against the DA," he wrote in a recent six-page letter to the party's provincial secretary. "However, and importantly so, the NEC resolutions ... has a clear rider, which states that 'this will be a turning point in the fight against corruption'. "No doubt you are fully aware that I have not been charged with, or convicted of corruption". Away from the political chessboard, [health workers are having to fight without fuel](. Sarah Smit and Paul Botes report that many have not been paid for months. Their insurance policies have lapsed, some face eviction from their homes and others have had to borrow money from loan sharks to get by. That's another week done and a bit closer to the end of the year. We hope this weekend - which is a long one for some - gives you the strength to see out the rest of the course. Until Tuesday, Kiri Rupiah & Luke Feltham [Divider Strip] [Old Mutual]( [Divider Strip] [JSE]( [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( You are receiving this email on {EMAIL} because 1.) You're a member of "Mail & Guardian" or 2.) previously subscribed [M&G logo] 25 Owl St, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, 2092 Want to be removed? No problem! [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Email support: help@media-connect.co.za - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -