Heyneke Meyer will take up the coaching position with the Springboks immediately after the South African Rugby Union announced his appointment on Friday.
Meyer - who missed out to Peter de Villiers for the same position in 2007 - signed a four-year deal to lead the Springboks.
The 44-year-old, who has most recently been employed in an executive role with Currie Cup team, the Blue Bulls, was excited at the announcement.
"It's a huge, huge honour," said Meyer, who has twice been an assistant coach for South Africa.
"I truly realise that it's a huge responsibility because you carry the hopes and dreams of the whole of South Africa on your shoulders, but I am ready and I am looking forward to the challenge."
"I truly realise that winning is the most important thing, and that I accept, but I've always coached to make a difference to the people of our country, and I truly believe that I can make a difference."
Meyer called on his compatriots to rally behind the Springboks as he looks to improve on the quarter-final defeat de Villiers' side suffered at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
"To the people of South Africa, probably the most important people, I want to thank you for the support throughout the years," he said.
"I must say the last few days were amazing, and I just realise what rugby means to the people out there. I don't want to make any promises that I can't keep, but I would just like to say a few things."
"I want all our supporters to be proud of the Springbok team, the Springbok jersey, and what it stands for, because, for me, this is very important, and this is the country that I love."
"I truly want to unite our country through the team, but I can't do this alone. I need every single South African citizen to help me to make this the best team in the world."
Meyer has plenty of time to rally his side before they play their next game, with England visiting Durban on June 9.