Not so. You cannot get a firearm into South Africa without one.
As I stated above, some countries consider it to be a US gun permit. It may be intended for just US Customs use but used by other governments as well.
That's exactly how Moroccan customs treated the 4457 when I arrived there with a shotgun (and a bunch of other baggage--2 year tour in the embassy) umpteen years ago. All they wanted was something official with a number on it. They asked for my permit, so I tried the customs form since we don't have long gun permits in the States. It worked.
And while the 4457 may be a permanent document, you'll need a new one if you take a different gun.
