What should South Africans know about visiting Penang regarding visa rules and requirements?

as long as you don't have a thai visa from the consulate in Pretoria in your passport now that has writing on it stating you need to go back to S/A to get a new visa you should be okay.

Keep in mind IF you're getting a Non-B visa for teaching you need police reports from your country AND thailand.

if you're getting a tourist visa and you have several visas in your passport already they are requesting a ticket back to your country as proof of onward travel otherwise just proof you're going out of the country in 60 to 90 days is enough. They also require the proof of 20K baht or the equivalent in a bank account and a confirmed hotel booking for a couple days too.

Enjoy your holiday in Penang. No idea of rules changed in Malaysia.