Yes, sounds like Sat arvo was a shambles.
A mate of mine flew out of SYD to HKG on a CX flight that afternoon. He reports that the plan went like this initially: SYD-WOL-CB-CWR-BKE-CMU, and then standard routings.... An extra 35 mins flight time. AND planned, yes, planned at FL200 until CMU due traffic/separation issues!
Sorry, this is Australia, isn't it, not Africa? ASA - heads need to roll all the way from the top.