South Africa competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, People's Republic of China. The team included 136 athletes, as of 10 July 2008. South Africa had its worst medals performance at an Olympics since 1994 (winter games), and tied its performance in the 1936 Games.
South Africa sent archers to the Olympics for the fifth time, seeking the nation's first Olympic medal in the sport. Calvin Hartley earned the country its only qualifying spot, in the men's competition, by placing first in the 2008 African championship.
South Africa qualified one boxer for the Olympic boxing tournament. Jackson Chauke earned a spot in the flyweight competition at the second African continental qualifying tournament.
<small>Qualification Legend: QS = Qualify to semi-final; QF = Qualify directly to final</small>
<small>Qualification Legend: FA=Final A (medal); FB=Final B (non-medal); FC=Final C (non-medal); FD=Final D (non-medal); FE=Final E (non-medal); FF=Final F (non-medal); SA/B=Semifinals A/B; SC/D=Semifinals C/D; SE/F=Semifinals E/F; QF=Quarterfinals; R=Repechage</small>
<small>M = Medal race; EL = Eliminated â did not advance into the medal race; CAN = Race cancelled</small>
<small>M = Medal race; EL = Eliminated â advanced into the medal race; CAN = Final Race cancelled</small>
Natalie du Toit, five time gold medallist at the Athens Paralympics in 2004, has qualified to compete, becoming the first amputee ever to qualify for the Olympic Games in the 10 kilometre open water race. She finished in 16th place.