There are a couple of US based FTO that offer a JAA PPL for about £3000, dont forget to add your flight (£250ish) and accomodation(£15-20/night) plus food/beer £10-20/day.
The main advantage is that if you pick your traiing area carefully you can fly perfect conditions so no hold up, likewise dependant on where you fly you can also get pretty bad condition - California is a prime example!
If you did happen to go for the FAA PPL you are entitled to day VFR in G reg back in the UK. If you get the JAA PPL then pop does the FSDO and get an FAA PPL in about 10mins and free! It will be restricted to any criteria on your UK PPL so you must carry them together.
Irv - Are you back from South Africa yet? How was it?
Julian.