One pilot had a lapsed SA PPL and wanted to know how to use it to obtain a JAR-FCL PPL - he wasn't happy to learn that he needed to fly 35 hours (25 dual and 10 supervised solo), sit all the exams and do the JAR-FCL PPL(A) Skill Test.
Or alternatively, rather than do 35 hours flying, he/she could renew the SA PPL and either continue to use it as such or (only if he/she wants to) convert to JAA using the usual criteria (ground exams, skills test, etc).
The renewal process could be back in SA if they are regular travellers down there, but it can also be completed in the UK without travelling a quarter of the way round the globe - providing the 'elapsed' period wasn't more than 2 years (after which it has to be back in SA). Admittedly the paperwork to renew takes about a month elapsed due to the 'speed' of the mail there but if the licence is not allowed to lapse, but the renewal is done a month before expiry, it all flows smoothly.
There is a community of SA PPLs in the UK and they are about to have a fly-in to RAF Cosford on June 6th to meet up to discuss experiences - some are new PPLs, some have been flying here for ages on their SA privileges, some have converted to get IMCs etc. The known list of UK based AMEs doing SA PPL medicals is on the community webiste along with the fly-in details.
UK-SA Flyer Community