1978 South African Open
Date	27 November – 4 December
Edition	75th
Category	Grand Prix
Draw	32S / 16D
Prize money	$175,000
Surface	Hard / outdoor
Location	Johannesburg, South Africa
Venue	Ellis Park Tennis Stadium
Champions
Singles
Tim Gullikson[1]
Doubles
Peter Fleming / Ray Moore[2]
← 1977 · South African Open · 1979 →

The 1978 South African Open was a men's tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts in Johannesburg, South Africa that was part of the 1978 Colgate-Palmolive Grand Prix circuit. It was the 75th edition of the tournament and was held from 27 November through 4 December 1978. Second-seeded Tim Gullikson won the singles title.

Finals

Singles

Tim Gullikson defeated Harold Solomon 2–6, 7–6, 7–6, 6–7, 6–4^[1]

Doubles

Peter Fleming / Ray Moore defeated Bob Hewitt / Frew McMillan 6–3, 7–6^[2]