One - isn't "redeeming points" = "using them?"
Two - says who? I have given tons of advice about redeeming points in this subforum, and have received advice as well.



OP, I would look into Star Alliance for LAX-CPT, just because Skyteam can be difficult (ATL-JNB is never available at the low level, and getting to CDG/AMS to get down to JNB is tough). With OW, going through LHR/BA introduces tons of surcharges.

With UA miles, you can easily get to Europe, then get down to JNB. Since South African is a partner, JNB-CPT should be easier as well. Try checking availability now.

As for KTM, that really isn't on the way between CPT/LAX, so you'd kind of need to do 3 one-ways.

Don't forget that Alaska Air allows you to redeem CX from USA-HKG-JNB, and there's rumors that one-way awards are available. And I believe you get a stopover on a r/t, so you could build a stopover at HKG and use that as a jumping off point for KTM.