No. Mileage will still be based on connecting flights . So your JFK to JNB flight would have to be flown on either CX or QF. So your award zone will determine which uses more miles... JFK-SYD-JNB or JFK-HKG-JNB. Even if you don't stop, a connection is counted as you have to get off and get on another flight. However, you can opt for JFK-LHR-JNB which will work out less miles.