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Hashim Amla resigned as South Africa Test captain following the draw against England at Newlands on Wednesday.
The prolific batsman has come in for criticism following the first-Test defeat against Alastair Cook's side at Kingsmead last week, which came after a 3-0 series loss in India.
Amla returned to form by scoring a magnificent 201 in Cape Town, but opted to relinquish his role as skipper after stumps on day five of the second Test in the four-match series.
The 32-year-old, who said in a press conference that he had started to think about resigning two weeks ago, was appointed as Test captain in June 2014 following Graeme Smith's retirement.
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Vice-captain and one-day international skipper AB de Villiers will lead the side for the third and fourth Tests against England as the Proteas attempt to fight back from 1-0 down.
Amla, who remains available for selection in all forms of the game, said: "Naturally this decision is not an easy one but the more I think about it the more I believe I can be of greater value to the Proteas as a fully focused batsman and senior player at this time of rebuilding our team.
"I am deeply grateful and privileged to have been the Test captain and I wish to thank CSA [Cricket South Africa] for the honour of captaining my country. It was enjoyable and indeed a great learning experience.
"Throughout my time as captain, whether in good times or tough times, I've always had the full support of my team-mates, coaching staff and management.
"I want to acknowledge this superb group of people for always being there and for supporting me wholeheartedly."
South Africa, the top-ranked Test side, threatened to pull off one of the most remarkable final-day victories in Cape Town on Wednesday, reducing England to 116-6 before the tourists recovered to 159-6 when bad light and rain ended play prematurely.