The bottom team on the log with the worst record in their group qualified for the relegation play-offs.
The winner over these two ties qualified for the 1989 Santam Bank Trophy Division A, while the losing team qualified for the 1989 Santam Bank Trophy Division B.
In the promotion play-offs, South Eastern Transvaal beat Eastern Free State on aggregate and won promotion to the Currie Cup Division B.
Eastern Free State were initially relegated to the Division A, but due to the Currie Cup Division A's subsequent expansion to 8 teams, they retained their place.
In the relegation play-offs, Northern Natal conceded the second leg to Far North, who won promotion to the Division A.