JOHANNESBURG - The Northern Cape was jolted awake on Sunday morning.
There are reports of a 5.3 magnitude earthquake near the town of Brandvlei.
Seismic activity of this size normally results in moderate-to-light shaking.
The German Research Center for Geosciences says the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres.
There's been no reports of deaths, injuries or damage to property.
Historically, South Africa has not experienced high-magnitude quakes.
But geologists warn the country is not immune to bigger earthquakes, especially with deeper mining activity.