IMHO, B Sousa has got it right. The only way forward is to stop complaining about CAA, which is on an inevitable downward spiral and take control.
We need a (South) African Helicopter Pilot's Association, like, or perhaps in association with ALPA, which will act like SAA does and advises CAA how operations are going to be done and politely asks CAA to rubber stamp them or perhaps make a constructive criticism or two. If you ain't in the Association you are on your own but if you're in, the AHPA handles everything with CAA for you.
Anyone willing to do it ? Maybe one of the retiring CAA persons who does know what they're talking about ?
(Could also be a possible way to sort out the game and illegal charter industries and stop PPLs writing off helis and killing passengers ?)