Having been commuting to SA for a number of years I can honestly say that SAA are not the best. Personally with me it's BA every time. Consistently I get seats at a price that wont break the bank.
Just wondering though that if the award is voted for by travel agents, don't SAA bribe these people with more commission than other carriers? i.e. they're giving more and more tax payers money away to agents. So isn't it in the self interest of the people giving these award to give 'em this piece of meaningless rubbish? Better not bite the hand that feeds!
There is no doubt that from a business perspective Virgin/BA are in better shape. Never had any complaints re their service delivery either. "Best Airline to Africa" means nothing.