They face a tough pool in Zimbabwe that also includes Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe, as they look to replicate, at least, their bronze medal in the Ivory Coast two years ago.
Coach Hugo Broos has said the semi-finals are the minimum objective, and has chosen a 25-player selection to achieve that.
Here is quick player-by player guide to the squad:
Goalkeepers
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates): A solid back-up to Ronwen Williams who has been in excellent form for Orlando Pirates this season, albeit behind one of the best defences in the league.
Ricardo Goss (Siwelele): Very much the third choice in the squad, he brings experience and calmness off the pitch. A good man to have around the squad.
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns): The team captain and undisputed number one, Williams was a hero of Bafana Bafana’s run to the bronze medal at the 2023 finals as he saved numerous penalties in shoot-outs in the knockout rounds. He is now a vastly experienced player at club and country level.
Defenders
Samukele Kabini (Molde, Norway): New to the team, the 21-year-old left-back forced himself into the squad with some excellent performances for Norwegian side Molde. Big for a full-back, he likes to get forward and supply crosses from wide areas.
Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City): A right-back who gets the nod over Thapelo Morena, which is a little bit of a surprise, though he is not expected to start unless there is an injury or suspension to Khuliso Mudau. The 26-year-old has four caps to his name.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates): The rising star of South African football who this week completed a move from Orlando Pirates to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, who he will join after the AFCON. A powerful centre-back who reads the game well and has an eye for the spectacular goal. A certain starter.
Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns): Probably the first-choice left-back ahead of Kabini, but only for his greater experience at international level. Good going forward but a little suspect in defence, he was originally a winger before taking up a role in the backline.
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns): The number-one right-back option and among the most technically gifted players in the South African side. A bit of a late bloomer, he is 30 but only made his international debut a few years ago. He offers Bafana Bafana attacking width from full-back.
Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy): The 21-year-old centre-back got the nod ahead of some more established names but is likely to be back-up. He has been in excellent form for TS Galaxy and looks certain to be a regular pick in the future.
Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest, Romania): An experienced centre-back who is probably vying with Nkosinathi Sibisi for a starting place. Tall and imposing in the air, the 28-year-old had to wait for his national team chance but has taken it well. He has the experience of playing in UEFA club competitions in the last few seasons with Steaua Bucharest.
Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates): A veteran centre-back who partners Mbokazi at club level, so may get the nod to start. Broos likes combinations. The 30-year-old has been in and out of the team in recent years, with the defence previously dominated by Sundowns players.
Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers, England): Probably just along for the ride to gain experience; clearly Smith has been earmarked as a future Bafana Bafana star. The centre-back won Player of the Tournament at the African Under-20 Cup of Nations this year, which led to a move to QPR.
Midfielders
Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns): A big unit if ever there was one; there is not a lot of finesse about Aubaas, but he brings a physical presence and high work-rate, which will be crucial depending on the opposition.
Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates): The 25-year-old central midfielder has had limited chances with the national team but has never disappointed and has come up with some crucial goals, not least in the qualification campaign for this tournament. Unlikely to start, but an excellent option off the bench.
Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns): One of the first names on the teamsheet; the box-to-box midfielder is vital to how Bafana Bafana play and has come up trumps in many clutch moments for the team. He is a danger from set-pieces and has a vast collection of spectacular goals through his career.
Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal): A favourite of Broos, though he has suffered from crippling injuries in recent times from which he has only just recovered. Strong, good with the ball at his feet and with a high work-rate, Sithole is a likely starter alongside Mokoena.
Forwards
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates): A player who was identified as a real talent in his teenage years but who lost his way for a period. Now he is in the form of his life at 24 and has been an excellent source of goals and assists for both club and country. Can play on both wings or as a ‘10’ behind the main striker.
Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge, Belgium): An uncapped winger or ‘10’, Campbell is another whose selection is for the future but may get some game-time if there are injuries. He is making his way into the first team off the bench at Club Brugge but has featured in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Lyle Foster (Burnley, England): The first-choice ‘number nine’, Foster is 25 but has bags of experience from playing in France, Portugal, Belgium and now the Premier League. Not necessarily prolific, but he holds the ball up well and brings others into the game with his link-up play.
Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates): The tall forward is likely back-up to Foster and is even less of a goal threat himself, but excellent in the air and has made himself a good option as the link man between Bafana Bafana’s nippier attackers.
Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates): A player who has only recently forced himself back into the national team for the first time in four years following an injury to Themba Zwane. Strong on the ball, with excellent technique, he fills the ‘10’ role in the team and looks to have that spot nailed down barring injuries.
Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates): The once rising star of the team has had a difficult six months where he lost his place for club and country, but recent signs are encouraging that he is getting back to his best. At his best, a tricky left-winger who previously had trials with Wolverhampton Wanderers, he is another who can slot in at ‘10’. He is one of the better finishers in the team.
Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem, Saudi Arabia): Drafted back into the squad for the first time since March after being dropped, the right-winger has been in good form in Saudi Arabia and has been given another chance. Tall for a winger, he is very direct and a decent goalscorer.
Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates): A recent recruit to the squad, his form for Orlando Pirates since a move from AmaZulu made him impossible for Broos to ignore. He has goals and assists in his game and is technically very good. Predominantly a left-winger but can also play on the right and as a ‘10’.
Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia): The pint-sized right-winger has been excellent since his introduction to the team, with goals and pace out wide. Small in stature, the 21-year-old has great technical quality and vision. Likely starts ahead of Mokwana.