There's a bunch of us who have been to SA and got PPLs and are very happy with our experiences - we've joined a group which is at a site being built at:
www.uksa.flyer.co.uk
Like minded SA PPL's with good advice and experiences that I'm sure will help. Particularly try Glynis on the link - she's the most knowledgeable person on the South African option.
I do not know FTC personally, but I heard other stories. I was lucky to find a school and club that made my 4 weeks in SA more than just an exercise in gaining a flying licence - I've been back several times since because of that.