There are three things I'd like to say...
1/ I wouldn't go so far away from Europe just to finish a PPL. The dollar is still expensive for us, Europeans, and it might be much more expensive than if you stay here. Enjoy the last non-winter weeks or leave the country to do your PPL + IFR, CPL or whatever !
2/ I wouldn't go to California at this time of year. Last time I went there (sept/oct), the Wx was IFR every two days, and for a PPL pilot flying exclusively VFR, this is not good at all. Why don't you go to Arizona or Texas ? Blue skies all year round, and I think the humidity dropped to fair levels recently. Okay, there's still 42°C every day but anybody can handle that
3/ What kind of licence would you get in South Africa ? JAA ? FAA ? If none of these, don't waste your time down there. Flying might be great in Africa, but it would be better if you could somehow use your license when you get back home.