Meanwhile local star, the 2010 Open champion, Louis Oosthuizen, carded the day's best of six-under 66 to storm from five shots behind to win the title in his first appearance of the New Year and also move to No 4 in World Rankings.
Oosthuizen's stunning final round left overnight leader Scotland's Scott Jamieson (72) in second place despite a closing birdie. Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee (68), who led after the first round, was third at 14-under 274, while two-time Open champion, Padraig Harrington (68) was fourth at 12-under 276.
Jeev, who was fourth after the first two rounds before dropping to 11th after the third round, looked like making a bid for a smart finish as he birdied the first and fourth.
Then he missed a couple of chances more before bogeying the par-5 eighth. Another bogey on par-5 10th spoilt his day, but then the Indian ace picked himself up with birdies on 12th, 14th and 18th.
It was his third birdie in four days at the closing hole of the traditional Durban Country Club.
"It's been a good start. I struck the ball well, particularly in the first two rounds. Now I need to keep the good work going as there is a lot of golf coming up," said Jeev, who moves to the Middle East swing with Abu Dhabi Open next week.
Oosthuizen, who won twice last season, and finished in top-10 seven more times, was winning his sixth European Tour title and the third in South Africa. His previous two wins at home came in Africa Open, where he will attempt a hat-trick next month. MORE
