South Africa

- We blogged about the issue of racism in the Judiciary being swept under the carpet last year and warned that it should be dealt with in a transparent and speedy manner to avoid further problems. Well, it seems National assembly chairperson Fatima Chohan-Kota agrees with this stance and on Tuesday expressed concern over the "unfinished business relating to last year's internal probe into racism and sexism in the judiciary." She said this matter should not be allowed to "fester" going on to say "I can't tell you how inundated I am - sometimes I think I am being harassed - by people who had been fingered during the racism allegations, but never got a chance to defend themselves."

- Another well-boo-friggin'-hoo moment happened yesterday when Shabby Shaik tearfully and in a breaking voice explained "I'm now the victim in Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma's political fight...." Is that right? Well I know Shabby's powers of deduction haven't been at full strength recently but the rest of us seem to remember the split between Mbeki and Zuma happening after Shabby was convicted and the "generally corrupt relationship" revealed.

- Great news for SA is that Charlize Theron and the film Tsotsi have both been been nominated for an Oscar.  Theron was nominated for her role in the drama North Country while Tsotsi is competing in the category for best foreign film.