As far as I know you need to get a permit from the SAN Parks/ KZN Wildlife offices. I can't remember what I paid the last time but I'm sure it was less than R100. If you enter the reserve from the Golela side, you need to pay an entrance fee at the office at the gate. They will also sell you the permit. Their phone number is 034 - 435 1012. Make sure you wash the boat before you leave. Actually it's not a wash, they spray your boat with a herbicide to prevent the spread of water weeds. They won't let you out without a spray. I'm unsure of permit requirements if you launch from a private site but assume you still need it. The permit is valid for a year and I think they said it can be used on other dams in game reserves in KZN as well.
Enjoy
Also, the tigers love sardines, the garages in Pongola sell them.