Judy,

You can also check Delta's award availability online. I've been checking to see if and when award seats pop up. Use this link:
https://www.delta.com/awards/home.do?EventId=ENTER_APPLICATION

If that doesn't work, go to Delta.com and then click on "SkyMiles" on the upper right side of the page. Then click on "Award Travel" on the right side of the page.

For example, as of this morning, Delta had SkyChoice business award seats available for EWR - JNB on September 1, 2, 4, and 6. SkyChoice awards were available for all dates between September 1 and 7. Nothing has been loaded into the system after September 7.

Good luck with this! I know it's a pain!

Andrea