I try not to harp on the South Africa route but it is my most regular trip (from when I was 9 years old!) Since BA have obviously sorted the local problems, VS should have been able to do so. I do understand that VS thought they could make more money elsewhere (this long before the Delta days) BUT as the routes have always been cash cows for BA - how not for VS? As mentioned, you only have to list the 744s, T7s and 380s that arrive at JNB + CPT everyday to know that this is a prime route.
Now, of course, there is no hope of building it back as everything has to be decided in Atlanta. Full membership of Sky Team must be on the cards!