All of the above is correct. I validate mine annually if Im there. Once the Air Law is out of the way (You better study) and they have verified from your CAA that your license is valid. Its an easy item.......
If you have folks in SA who say they will take care of the matter, rest assured they will be renumerated for their service in some fashion.
You can do all this on your own if you have a little time.
My expericence with the CAA in person has been pretty positive in the last couple of years. They have it down pretty good. If there is a Hiccup in the process, then you can worry.
There are a couple places that do this on a regular basis. One off the top is Hanks Aero.
www.selfflysafari.com