India were given a walkover in their third round Asia-Oceania Group I tie against Australia after the 28-times champions boycotted the Chennai tie citing security concerns.
South Africa are in great form this season and have got a double promotion to break into Group I.
India will clash with South Africa for the third time in Davis Cup, with the latter winning all their previous ties.
The two countries last met in 1994, where South Africa defeated India 3-2 on the grass court of Jaipur.
Earlier, India had forfeited their tie against South Africa in the 1974 final to protest then South African government’s apartheid policies.
India’s No.1 Somdev Devvarman called the draw favourable one. “It is a good draw for us. But at the same time South Africa is a tough team with quality players. We will have to play at our best. It is a good chance for us to qualify for the finals,” Somdev said.
The draw for the play-offs was announced by ITF on Tuesday.
Draw for World Group Play-offs announced in London: India vs South Africa, Chile vs Australia, Belgium vs Ukraine, Brazil vs Ecuador, Netherlands vs France, Serbia vs Uzbekistan, Sweden vs Romania, Italy vs Switzerland.
