Yes, South Africans are required to have both a visa for Mexico and an FMM Tourist Card.
The visa policy for Mexico states that all South African passport holders must have an approved visa to travel to Mexico. This is a mandatory requirement regardless of whether a traveler from South Africa wishes to enjoy a short-term or long-term stay.
There are different visas available depending on the purpose of the visit. These include Mexican tourist visas, business visas, work visas, study visas, or for other motives.
To apply for a visa for Mexico, South Africans must make an appointment at the Mexican Embassy in Pretoria. They must then attend an in-person consular interview with a completed application form and a range of supporting documents, depending on the type of visa they require.
In addition to having an approved visa, South African nationals planning to stay up to 180 days in Mexico must register for a Tourist Card online. This is a mandatory requirement for entry to Mexico if flying into the country or arriving at a land border crossing.