The Frenchman was one under after opening rounds of 71 and 72 but struck form with a bogey-free day to finish in joint second on the leaderboard at 10 under par, three shots behind home favourite Charl Schwartzel.
Gros was level with compatriot Benjamin Hebert, who had a mixed day as he carded a 68.
The 26-year-old Gros, playing just his second European Tour event after finishing second on the Challenge Tour last season, hit the low round of the week and missed a putt on the last for a 10-under-par 62.
"That was the first time in my life that I had a 10-under putt," Gros, whose only other tour appearance was a tied 52nd at the Madeira Islands Open in August, told reporters. "I'm very pleased with what happened today.
"It was not that good from the tee but I was recovering back and every time I had a good opportunity I made it so the entire round was really good.
"I'm very pleased because even if I had a great season on the Challenge Tour, you never know how you compare to the top players in Europe or South Africa so being in contention is just a good feeling."
Schwartzel, a three-time winner of the Alfred Dunhill Championship, led by five shots going in Saturday’s round but lost his fluency of the opening two days and could only muster a two-under-par 70, including three birdies and one bogey.South African Dylan Frittelli carded a 66 and was alone in fourth on eight under par, five shots behind Schwartzel.
(Reporting by Nick Said; editing by Rob Hodgetts; nick.said@thomsonreuters.com; +27832722948; Reuters Messaging: Reuters Messaging: nick.said.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)
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