I agree this is a very sad story. Partly in defense of SAA: Fraud is so rife in South Africa that they probably feel compelled to make you jump through all these hoops so they can be sure the ticket gets to the correct person. I know that other airlines in South Africa are less difficult in this respect. I have been infuriated b by the 'sponsored ticket process' as well, from time to time. Also, the rules appear to change from time to time. Sigh....