I am in conversation with my PH who has not had a client handgun hunt for him. When asked about proper paperwork, he is recommending dealing with riflepermits.com. I do not feel like spending an additional $240 for their services despite being told they can guarentee approval and work with the police there.
Is there another way around this? I know that there has to be paperwork submitted to the Central gun register atleast 3 weeks before hand. Is there a cheaper way to still get this done without issues? I have a few months yet, so time is not quite of essence here.

I took a S&W 500 over there a few years ago. I think it's a very good idea to use a "Meet and greet" agency like rifle permits. They can get you and your hand cannon right through the airport in a very short time. You will need a letter from your Ph stating why you're bringing the handgun. I'd get all the paperwork done ASAP. I did mine 3 months before the hunt.

I've gone 7 times with handguns. Very foolish not to use meet and greet. Lots of hidden dangers that these people remove at the airport. I've used Air 2000,VIP Meet and Assist, and Gracy Myers. The guy with Gracy is fantastic. Has prevented me from getting ripped off each time.
Believe me, the additional $$ is worth it.

I've taken handguns on 3 trips to South Africa.

While you don't have to have a meet and greet service, if you don't, make sure you know the rules and that you are using a travel agent familiar with the rules.

I didn't use a meet and greet service on my first trip and all went well. I used a meet and greet service on the last two and all went weller (is that a word).

I do think $240 is pretty excessive. Especially with the current strength of the dollar, I think it should cost about half that. I'd explore other options.

I highly recommend meet & greet services. I got shook down for money by an airline employee to receive my handguns and no one to complain to about the bastard ripping me off.