Thanks, Doc and Doug - much appreciated. I'm a big fan of SR so that's good news that I could fly them. However, I've also heard that SAA is good so I would like to give them a try. I suppose given the usual scarcity of award seats, I'll take what I can get, but my first choice will be SAA followed by SR. Presumably, since SR tickets are still valid for a year after they're issued - even if travel is after the end of the DL agreement, the same applies to OS and SN. My understanding is that TP is still a partner, but given that they are a member of Qualiflyer, they may be leaving soon too.

So, I'll take SAA if I can. Otherwise, if I act soon before the deadline, they'll be more choices than if I book later. As of right now, I think I can use AF, SR, SN, OS and TP to go to South Africa with SAA joining the list soon.

Thanks a lot for all of the input!!