Proteas coach Shukri Conrad says the "jury is out" on whether the T20I series in New Zealand should have been given international status but insists the tour has been an "invaluable exercise".
Proteas wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen says his first tour with the Proteas has been one big learning experience, and would not trade it for anything.
The Proteas levelled the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday, securing a tense 19-run victory in the fourth match to set up a decisive final clash in Christchurch on Wednesday.
Veteran Proteas spin bowler Keshav Maharaj has credited the SA20 with the bags of talent that have been unearthed in South Africa, which have in turn benefitted the national team set-up.
New Zealand comfortably secured an eight-wicket win over a weakened South African side at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match Twenty20 International series.
South Africa's batting coach Ashwell Prince said his team "didn't get any rhythm" after the Proteas were bowled out for 107 in a seven-wicket defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton, leveling the T20 series 1-1.