International Drivers License (Johannesburg)

Hi,
I'm a German, living in South Africa.
I have recently lost my International Drivers License, which was issued in Germany.
After getting in touch with the German Embassy I was told it can only be re-issued in Germany, however they could give me a translation of my original license.
Would love to hear some feedback from people, who've been in a similar situation!
Has anyone had trouble like this? Is the translated version valid and accepted by SA authorities?!