Not a BA regular here, so please pardon me. Will be taking the family on JNB-HDS operated by SA. BA elites get access to the JNB domestic SLOW lounge in this case, but any anecdotes about taking guests?

I will be BA gold (but I might not have my physical card - any issues?), I also have CX and AA emerald but guess that's going to be irrelevant?
Person 2 will be BA silver
Person 3 only has AA PLTPRO (Sapphire)
Person 4 has nothing

All of us are incoming from CX J, that doesn't help as well as I have read. Any chances I can sweet talk two guests in given these circumstances and conditions? TIA!

(OT but would really appreciate a response - we have around 3.5 hours in between for our connection. I've heard so many things about JNB luggage theft, am I setting myself for trouble if I reclaim my bags, wrap them and recheck with SA and head to the lounge right away? Should I wait until pretty close to departure with my checked bags together with me, which in the case the lounge access is pretty much moot?)