On another forum, the question was asked if candidates could write open-book exams for their Com (the exam is unrelated to the instance related to this thread).
The SA CAA replied as follows:
The candidates referred to were writing Air Law and Procedures to obtain validations, which will allow them to fly outside the borders of South Africa only.
The approval from the Commissioner only provides for open book examinations for pilots flying for foreign operators, operating outside South Africa, utilising SA registered aircraft. These flights will not enter South African Airspace. Also the approval has been granted to specific operators that have made application in this regard.