According to the Department of State there are a few interesting updates for Russia and South Africa.
Russia - It's been almost a full year, but the agreement that was signed on July 13, 2011, by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, has finally been approved by the Russian Duma. Once approved by the Russian Parliament and signed by President Putin, the United States and Russia will then discuss how to best implement the agreement.
South Africa - Bethany Christian Services and Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children have been approved as Accredited Adoption Service Provider's or ASPs for adoptions from South Africa and are now accepting applications from prospective adoptive parents. South Africa is a member of the Hague Convention of Intercountry Adoptions.