They were based off the Puma originally by design (which even itself was produced and improved locally as the Oryx), but developed locally and weaponry being used is not a claim to a tree. By the same logic everything with Sidewinders or 50.cal Browings needs to go in the US tree because its American weaponry.
Almost all vehicles take inspiration or a base from a previous vehicle, sometimes not of the same nation. It does not mean the "inspiration" is a claim to belonging to another nation. Even more so when we already have a clear home for the majority of South African vehicles.
France has its own domestic helicopters and has no reason to take South African ones in game. Thats the end of the discussion here.
Indeed. Its already been clarified in a previous Q and A where they would go if they ever came. But there is nothing this patch.