This is a very interesting article regarding frequently asked questions: https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/article/heritage-processes-south-africa-frequently-asked-questions
QUESTION:
Herewith I am inquiring on the process to get heritage approval. 
I have recently submitted my building plans for my house and was informed that the house needs heritage approval. 
Please advise on the process.
OUR ANSWER:
The National Heritage Resources Act of 1999 states that no work can be done to any building or part of any building older than 60 years without a permit from the provincial government. Heritage Western Cape (HWC) is the provincial body dealing with heritage matters.
In addition to a permit from the provincial government, you need the approval of the George Municipality, as you know, and comments from the two heritage bodies registered for this area.
The conservation bodies in George are the George Heritage Trust and the Simon van der Stel Foundation: Southern Cape.
The procedure is the following:
  • Get an application for a permit from the website of Heritage Western Cape
  • Complete and send copies of the permit application, along with a location map and plans of the planned alterations to George Heritage Trust (e-mail address is thegeorgeheritagetrust@gmail.com) and to Simon van der Stel at this address: Dr Natie de Swardt, Simon van der Stel Foundation – Southern Cape. P.O.Box 4037, George East, 6539.
  • When the comments of the above two conservation bodies are received, submit these with the provincial permit application and other supporting documents required to the George Municipality (GM)
  • After the GM had processed the application, it must all go to Heritage Western Cape for approval of a permit.
QUESTION:
From an Estate Agent, we received the following inquiry: I’d just like to find out about a property situated in Bodorp, George. Is it a heritage site? The property is going to come into the market soon and I would just like to give all prospective buyers the correct and complete information. Would you please elaborate on what the process will be to apply for a permit to do alterations or additions to the property and also what costs are involved? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
OUR ANSWER: Thanks for your Inquiry. I have attached an aerial photo from 1957 showing that the house and part of the present outbuildings had already been built at that time. Further research will be necessary to determine the date on construction but the building is clearly protected by the National Heritage Resources Act (1999) and a permit will have to be applied for to do any alterations or additions to the house.
The National Heritage Resources Act of 1999 states that no work can be done to any building or part of any building older than 60 years without a permit from the provincial government. Heritage Western Cape (HWC) is the provincial body dealing with heritage matters.
  • They need to make an application to Heritage Western Cape. The cost is R350 and will take about 30 – 40 days. Making the application is time-consuming and, unless they do it themselves they will have to employ a Heritage Practioner which will cost about R12 000 – R20 000, depending. It is a small house and will likely not be graded high so on the lower end. A history of the property will need to form part of the application, plus:
  1. Drawings will have to be done by a registered Architect. Not a draftsman.
  2. A process of public participation will have to be done by the Heritage Practitioner. Minimum 30 days.
  • Plans will have to be submitted, in the normal way to the Municipality who will not approve unless there is a permit from HWC.
  • Proceeding without a permit is a criminal offense.

We hope this is of assistance.