Irv Lee has written a book on the subject:
http://www.uksa.flyer.co.uk/saonappl.htm
I bought a copy recently. Trust me when I say it's all in there; everything you need to know, plus quite a lot you never realised you'd need to know! The basics are passing the local air law exam, getting the paperwork done, and getting a check ride at your chosen flying establishment. Get the timing right, make use of a courier (SA CAA is in Joburg), and you can do it extremely quickly - a couple of days.
I'd highly recommend getting a copy of the book though, a tenner well spent.
Practical? Nav? Bollocks. It's an ICAO license. Do the airlaw, fill in the form, take a check ride. That's all you require.