South Africa have claimed seven England wickets in just over an hour on the final day in Centurion to win the final Test by 280 runs.
Joe Root and James Taylor resumed at the crease chasing 330 after the Proteas had declared on 248-5 on Wednesday, having already amassed a 133-run lead in the first innings.
Taylor's dismissal just minutes after play resumed was to set the tone for the morning, Morne Morkel's delivery grazing his glove on the way through to send him packing for 24. Root was back to the pavilion himself three minutes later, having been caught cheaply by Dean Elgar for just 20 runs.
The partnership of Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow broke records in the second Test but failed to save face for the tourists this time around, first Bairstow falling for 14 as Kagiso Rabada claimed his tenth wicket of the Test and then Stokes for 10 five minutes later.
Rabada was the hero again, quickly claiming the wickets of Chris Woakes (5) and Stuart Broad (2) as Moeen Ali pushed England past the 100 mark.
The 20-year-old had the final say of the match, dismissing Jimmy Anderson lbw on the first ball to seal the hosts' first victory of the series.
England still take home the Basil D'Oliveira Trophy, however, winning the series overall 2-1.
