Cape Town - A Mpho Makola goal early in the first half was enough to ensure that Bafana Bafana downed Egypt in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge.
Makola struck in the seventh minute, heading home from a Mandla Masango cross to give South Africa an early lead.
Makola nearly extended the home side's lead in the thirteenth minute but the visitors goalkeeper parried the ball past the upright.
South Africa went into the break 1-0 up.
In the second half, Mohammed Salah had an excellent chance to equalize but he could only drag his shot wide of the posts.
Bafana held on to the final whistle to claim a much needed victory after Friday's 1-1 draw with Mauritania in a World Cup qualifier.