Weekend news picks

[Dave A]

Rugby
Despite a pretty poor end-of-year trip to the nothern hemisphere, the Springboks are the IRB Team of the Year. Well done Bokke!

Global financial meltdown
The GFM might have started with low-cost housing in the USA, but luxury Dubai property is the latest source of concern for world financial markets.

Corruption
A controversial NPA boss appointment, disappearing case dockets at police stations, questionable tender practices at parastatals - Corruption certainly seems to have spread its tentacles far and wide.

[Dave A]

Tripartite alliance
The distance between ANCYL Julius Malema and SACP Jeremy Cronin may be growing - but if you can't get together to say it in person, nothing says "I'll get you" like sending a threatening SMS. Polokwane round 2?

Cabinet performance
The DA rates each government minister's performance every year. Here is a slightly more independant summary. Did we get our money's worth?

Regulation
Obama is calling for stronger financial industry regulation in the wake of the GFM. Wasn't it regulation that gave the house of cards that collapsed so spectacularly the credibility it needed to be built in the first place?

[Dave A]

Online business
The power of online shows as British bookshop Borders folds. How long before unions start protesting against online businesses to protect jobs?

Legal bills
So far taxpayers have paid R7,4 million for Selebi's legal defence, and it doesn't end there. In the same story Ekurhuleni ratepayers are footing the bill to defend metro police chief Robert McBride against drunk driving charges - R10,2 million so far. Should we be footing these bills?

Priorities
School teachers may have to wait to get their occupation specific dispensation adjustments paid out correctly, but the military will get their pay increases by Christmas. Jacob Zuma certainly seems to understand the priorities of being part of the ruling class.

Power plays
Mantashe comes under fire for wearing two hats and Billy Masetlha feels vindicated about his warnings against the socialist left.

“It is not about principles, it is personalities at play. We are in a new phase of our national democratic revolution. Now power comes with being ministers and with fears that you could lose your position. It is these fears that make people position themselves in this manner,” said a *senior leader close to Zuma.

Crystal ball
Just how long can corruption and graft charges haunt you? Is this why the ANC must rule until the second coming?

[BBBEE_CompSpec]

Apparently Dubai has been bailed out. I have posts in Dubai and surrounding areas. May I put them on the Forum?