hey ur english dude -face it!!
all depends upon what you want to do in SA. if just for travel then it should be ok. British citizens get a 3months temp visa almost automatically. you can apply for an extention for a further 3 months (you need to apply within a month of the expiry of your permit). If you are bothered then you can even apply for citizenship while you are there..although there is a process in terms of acknowledging dual citizenship.
For work you may need to get a temp work visa, which again is easy enough, espeically if you are 'skilled worker' (apart from medical Dr) but only if you can get hold of the high commission!
i'm sure you've visited their website:
http://www.southafricahouse.com/Consulate/Foreign.htm
(links on the left for futher info)
I would defo recommend getting an appointment with them following a call to one of their expensive (££££) phone lines (no way round that!)
good luck!!
PS it might be nice if could feedback how you got on for others!