can't see bmi being in a position to do this.
EK or LH would be interesting, but it seems too big a step for both and the SA government would not likely give up such a strong strategic asset.
Look at EK's track record with Sri Lankan. This did not leave the airline is a particularly strong strategic position once EK was forced out.
I suspect if the SA Government was going to do this as you described, they would have a mini revolt on their hands due to the number of public sector staff that would be out of work. SA can't afford this especially in the run up to the 2010 world cup.