The Proteas proved to be too good for Australia as they beat them by a massive 492 runs in the fourth and final Test at the Wanderers Stadium.
The victory also handed the Proteas a 3-1 series win over the scandal-hit Aussies.
The scandal-hit tourists had promised to fight for a draw on the final day to end a controversial tour on a positive note, but their resistance lasted just 83 minutes as Philander ripped through their middle and lower order to finish with career-best figures of 6-21 and move to 204 test wickets.
Philander was unplayable taking six wickets inside the first 53 minutes of play, as he reduced the Aussies to 100/9.
Australia were then bowled out for a paltry 119 in their second innings to succumb to their heaviest ever loss to South Africa in terms of runs, their second biggest defeat against any opponent and the fourth biggest loss in test cricket.
The 492-run victory is the biggest Test victory for the Proteas by runs, while the series triumph is the first over Australia in South Africa since readmission in 1991.
This victory becomes the Proteas’ first home Test series win against Australia since 1970.
South Africa’s next opponents will be Sri Lanka and Pakistan later this year.