Hashim Amla scored 208 before South Africa declared on 552-5 to put the hosts in charge against West Indies at tea in the first Test at Centurion.
Amla hit 22 fours in his 371-ball knock before falling to left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn while trying to hit him on the leg side.
He was well supported by Stiaan van Zyl who scored an unbeaten century on his debut off just 130 balls as he hit 15 fours, while a late flurry from Quinton de Kock saw the hosts pile on the runs towards the end of the session.
A light rain shower saw the tea break taken 20 minutes early, denying the South African seam attack the chance to take early wickets against the West Indies batting lineup.
Kraigg Braithwait and Devon Smith will open the batting for the visitors in the evening session.
