Jamex, Nugpot...
I personally know of at least three PD pilots (SA citizens, born and bred), at SAA who've paid for their own training, flew contracts, instructed, etc. to gain the required experience. If you want their conact details to verify this, PM me, and I will gladly forward you the information.
Otherwise, Nugpot, your assessment of the situation is nevertheless quite accurate. However, making reckless generalisations is not objective and unfair to those involved.
Jamex...you obviously don't know every pilot in the SA aviation industry.