As stated, your commitment will show a lot more than what you did compared to buying type ratings and just following the p2f schemes.
Something will come, most of the senior working pilots today from my understanding never bought ratings and worked their way up based on their character and commitment as well as their passion for flying.
I dont see much security and business ethics from a company if they cant offer you employment unless you dont have a type rating.
In South Africa, I dont know of one airline that has any type rating requirements, have you done the time? If yes and your experience is applicable to their hour requirements you can move forward.