Hi Stuart,
Sorry its taken so long to reply but Ive been on holidays.
To begin with how I discovered South Africa is that I have been living here for the last six years. You really cant beat the flying here. It is a little bit more expensive than the states but the training is better. I myself have a Jaa PPL and I have to say the South African is as good if not better in most areas. The states is a really good option but from what I have heard you have to be really picky with the school you choose if you want to return to the uk and fly with an english company. Radio is a lot different in the states and a lot of their procedures are different (this is really all word of mouth so dont quote me). If you come out to South Africa you would have your PPl and 100hrs P1 in a max of six months depending on what time of the year you come. Your summer is our winter and its the dry season so no nasty thunderstorms. You would be amazed how many english pilots started their training in South Africa so it is excepted but I would do some research on this.
As with sponsorship, as you are probably well aware of now, there are very few and far between. I would not rely on getting one and if I were you, I would start my ppl now during the summer holidays. An absolutely awesome experience, some fantastic weather and it will really tell you if you want to do this for the rest of your life. If you need some info on schools please dont hesitate to contact me.
Ciao bl