The first attack unfolded at 19:30 GMT Saturday when eight armed men burst into a bar west of Johannesburg, opening fire on patrons outside before storming in. Seventeen people were killed, 15 wounded, and two vehicles were set ablaze.
The second incident, early Sunday morning, targeted an entertainment venue in a Cape Town township. Gunmen killed ten, wounded eleven, and five victims died on scene.
Police have not detained any suspects in either case, and a 400,000-rand reward has been announced to spur tips.
South Africa, home to roughly 60 daily murders, struggles with widespread firearms, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to deploy soldiers to hotspots in March. The country has repeatedly turned to the military for crisis management.
The shootings have drawn sharp criticism from the Democratic Alliance, which offered an extra 31,000 dollars for information, while community groups call for stricter gun laws.
Investigations are now underway; authorities urge witnesses to come forward before the next parliamentary session on gun control.