I don't know if we could all agree on an exact list of the South African companies that treat their pilots in a professional manner, but maybe we can take a look at three companies: SAA, SAX, and Comair. To the best of my knowledge, all have a high percentage of union membership, and all are members of ALPA-SA; SAAPA, SAXPA, and the CPA. Arguably, these three do an acceptable job in this regard.
A common trend? You decide....
And whilst individuals may have problems with ALPA, or union membership in general, it should be noted that without collective bargaining, you are nothing. Ergo, your individual problems with ALPA, or unions in general, should take a back seat in favour of at least presenting a united front. Believe me, ALPA, being aviation specific, is the most appropriate, in my very humble (I mean that) opinion. I have nothing to do with them, apart from being a member. I believe the facts back me up though.