Tundra Tiger
AH legend
There are many reputable outfitters in RSA, some are sponsors on this website with multiple positive reviews. Trying to save a buck with a donation hunt just opens up the possibility of a scenario like the OP posted.
Frankly, when I signed up on this site several years back, and left a message that I wanted to hunt in Africa, I had a host of offers from a good number of sponsors on here, and every single one of them was a pretty darned good deal. My guess is that's still the case. So I'm not sure how much anyone is really saving with this types of hunts that the author of the post purchased? But it couldn't have been all that much, and a person could sure buy peace of mind inquiring with those who are sponsors on this site.