The 2012–13 National First Division was played from September 2012 until May 2013, and is the second tier of South Africa's professional football. Polokwane City won the league, earning promotion to the 2013–14 Premiership. Santos and Mpumalanga Black Aces finished second and third respectively, qualifying for the 2012–13 PSL Playoff Tournament, which Mpumalanga Black Aces won, also earning them promotion to the 2013–14 Premiership.