Addressing MPs following Mugabe’s historic resignation, Dirco dismissed social media rumours that the Mugabe family had applied for asylum in SA.

In a departure from its usual ‘quiet diplomacy’, the South African government has condemned the increased suppression of media freedom in Egypt.

ANC MP Luwellyn Landers says the scheduled debate on the Protection of State Information Bill will be delayed by a week to next Wednesday.

The ANC has used its majority in a parliamentary committee to finalise the controversial information Bill, which critics vowed to challenge in court.

The Right 2 Know campaign says the Protection of Information Bill remains a threat to freedom and transparency, and should be scrapped and redrafted.

The ANC’s refusal to allow a public interest defence in the Protection of Information Bill has been denounced as "anti-democratic".

The African National Congress has bowed to pressure on the Protection of Information Bill on Friday and promised major concessions.