Escaping the ANC mood

[View in browser]( [Mail & Guardian]( M&G Mornings | Tue 06 Dec   Once asked by a journalist what the “mood” was like in that day’s meeting, Pule Mabe snapped: “It was a meeting mood!” You might be surprised that many of us in the media sympathise with the ANC spokesperson’s frustration. The dance between press and politician is one that both sides do reluctantly. We often come to resent each other just as much as we’ve always needed each other. But we also feel for the reporter. On those long days, scrounging for scraps of news outside of a locked door, communication will inevitably be banal. This is the wrong time of year to start whinging. The mood is, and will be until just before Christmas, decidedly ANC. We are sweeping up the detritus from the Phala Phala explosion while our gaze is still fixed on the party’s conference in two week’s time. We are going to need levels of communication more effective than nagging Mr Mabe. To that end, the Mail & Guardian is hosting a thinking forum this Wednesday on how this month’s events will shape 2023. If that sounds like a good evening out, click [HERE]( to learn more. Events such as these are important not only to keep up with the news, but to deliberate how we all can be more active citizens in our democracy. No one should be beholden to the whims and moods of others. Luke Feltham | Online Editor [Subscribe now]( to enjoy unlimited access to The Mail & Guardian for only R99 per month. -->   [President Cyril Ramaphosa also made a request that the affidavit be made public prior to his giving oral evidence in an effort to avoid any speculation about its contents.]( [Phala Phala panel misread its mandate, Ramaphosa argues in court papers]( In an application filed to the constitutional court, the president argued that the panel failed to follow the rules when it recommended he face an impeachment inquiry Join thousands of South Africans who want a more just South Africa. Read past party lines, past the bluster and the distortion. Get the best reporting, analysis and commentary that is factual, balanced and fair with uninterrupted access to all Mail & Guardian content online. Plus - Preferential access to Mail & Guardian events - Get daily conversation starters straight into your inbox - An invitation to join the newsroom’s Review session on Friday mornings - Lend your expertise and experience to the stories we tell [// Read more]( Articles labelled as Premium are only available to subscribers. [CLICK HERE]( to subscribe Already a subscriber? [SIGN IN HERE]( [Bonteheuwel ward councillor Angus McKenzie has repeated calls by his party]( [Cape Flats shootings keep residents locked indoors for a second week]( Two suspects have been arrested for attempted murder, and a key suspect for various shootings remains at large Join thousands of South Africans who want a more just South Africa. Read past party lines, past the bluster and the distortion. Get the best reporting, analysis and commentary that is factual, balanced and fair with uninterrupted access to all Mail & Guardian content online. Plus - Preferential access to Mail & Guardian events - Get daily conversation starters straight into your inbox - An invitation to join the newsroom’s Review session on Friday mornings - Lend your expertise and experience to the stories we tell [// Read more]( [ANC NEC can only recall Ramaphosa after Integrity Committee report, says Kekana]( The Paul Mashatile ally has established the mood for the NEC meeting on Monday, which is expected to discuss the party’s response to Phala Phala Join thousands of South Africans who want a more just South Africa. Read past party lines, past the bluster and the distortion. Get the best reporting, analysis and commentary that is factual, balanced and fair with uninterrupted access to all Mail & Guardian content online. 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Plus - Preferential access to Mail & Guardian events - Get daily conversation starters straight into your inbox - An invitation to join the newsroom’s Review session on Friday mornings - Lend your expertise and experience to the stories we tell [// Read more]( Pic of the day A message is sent to Brazilian football icon Pele in Doha, Qatar after it was revealed that he was extremely ill. (Photo by Tullio Puglia – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) [Share]( [Share]( [Tweet]( [Tweet]( [Forward]( [Forward]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [why did I get this?]( [unsubscribe from this list]( [update subscription preferences]( Mail & Guardian Media LTD · 25 Owl St · Braamfontein · Johannesburg, Gauteng 2001 · South Africa