Hi Dave1234,
After writing all the SA:CAA licences and other exams that there are/were e.g. CPL, Instructors, Turbine Instructors, ATPL and MNPS, I can tell you that there is no easy way! You did say that there was a sympathetic FTO in South Africa that would let you work as an instructor. With a global recession affecting everyone, I would say that you need to grab any opportunity with both hands. If that is in SA then you'll need to get a SA licence in order to go for it. You will be hour building and earning a living as a professional pilot. This can eventually lead to other opportunities, but you need to start somewhere. After reaching "the end of the line" in SA, so to speak, I did a FAA ATPL and then, with 7000 hrs experience, wrote the 14 UK ATPL sudjects and now have all three licences! And I am by no means the only South African pilot that has done this either!
What it does require is determination and commitment on your behalf.
I wish you well in your endeavours.
