The southern African species of the mygalomorph spider genus Hermacha , are revised. Eight species are redescribed: H. brevicauda ; H. caudata ; H. evanescens ; H. fulva ; H. lanata ; H. nigrispinosa ; H. sericea ; and H. tuckeri . The female of H. sericea and the male of H. evanescens are described for the first time. Three new species are described: H. septemtrionalis, sp. nov., H. maraisae, sp. nov., and H. montana, sp. nov. On the basis of their genital morphology H. curvipes , and H. nigra , are considered incertae sedis. Pionothele capensis , was found to be conspecific with H. brevicauda and is synonymized. The genera Brachytheliscus , and Hermachola , are revalidated and redescribed. Hermacha capensis () and H. crudeni , are transferred to Hermachola. Hermachola crudeni (), originally described from a female, and Hermachola grahami , originally described from a male, were found to be conspecific and synonymized. A new species, Hermachola lyleae, sp. nov., is also described. New morphological characters for the diagnoses of these genera and a dichotomous key for all species considered here are provided. Known distributions are mapped and, where available, ecological data are included. With the exception of H. caudata and H. mazoena , all species are endemic to South Africa, but further survey work in neighboring countries is needed. This work substantially improves the taxonomy of this group of spiders and provides a foundation for further investigation of the diversity and relationships of species within the region.