Purely speculation on my part but SAA launched their new web based reservation system on 30 September. It is very different, very cluttered with colourful graphics attempting to show the different between fare categories but the seat reservation stage seems to be set up so they can charge for seat reservations anytime soon. It s still free currently but all previous references to free seat selection have gone from the website and it only refers to the ability to choose your seat. Hopefully I'm wrong but BA are charging to reserve seats, though top tier members at BA can still reserve seats for free.