Hi,
Years with studies outside DK/EEA does not have negative effect, but only if you were staying in Denmark immediately before the education was begun.
So in your case where you did not recide in Denmark prior to your studies outside DK/EEA (in South Africa), the years with study can NOT be counted as if you have stayed in DK/EEA in these years.
You don't tell us where you stayed in 2014 and until you moved to Denmark. If you were reciding in EU/EEA in 2014 It is not important if you were working or studying, the only that is important in conjunction with the new requirement is where you have stayed (you dont need to have been doing anything). I.e also periods with unemployment can be included, as long as you have stayed in EU/EEA.
If you were staying in another EU/EEA country in this period 2014-2015, then this period can be included to meet the new requirement:
Finally, if you stayed in UK or another EU-country prior to your studies in South Africa, then these years can be included, but only from 2007 onwards (because the new residence requirement goes back 12 years).
Best regards,
Anders Weber, www.a-kasser.dk