OK, I'm a little confused on this one.

When I go to Qantas's website and look for award availability for MEL-JNB, availability shows up for MEL-PER on QF653 and PER-JNB on QF303.

However, when I go to AA's website and look for the same award availability, this itinerary will not come up. I am only able to book earlier flights that are not operated by South African Airways.

I know South African Airways is Star Alliance, so I'm confused why Qantas shows this availability in the first place. But is there a way for me to book this itinerary with my AA miles?