I recently had an OTA book me on Emirates from IAH>DXB>CPT by transferring miles from Chase to Skywards. Unable to book QR to WDH anymore which is sad. I usually try to fly on OneWorld partners.
I am spending a few days in CPT before flying on Airlink to WDH using UA miles.
Still waiting for my return trip using miles but likely will have to fly to either CPT or JNB on Airlink out of WDH before my flight home to the US.
Do lock your checked bags or get them wrapped if you fly into JNB as theft from bags is rampant there. At least I can avoid JNB outbound.
My trip is late September to almost mid October 2024.