Debistro wrote:
I just noticed that a certain low rated IM in South Africa was awarded the GM title after he beat a GM (just one GM) in an African tournament. His rating is really low for a GM - 2399.
There are other ways to receive the title without meeting the regular requirements. Some tournaments can give the title outright.
The linked table lists the different ways: https://www.fide.com/fide/handbook.html?id=173&view=article
Though, which player are you talking about? According the FIDE ratings pages, there isn't currently a GM from South Africa and only one has 3 GM Norms but still needs the 2500 rating to qualify for the title: Kenny Solomon.
I just noticed that a certain low rated IM in South Africa was awarded the GM title after he beat a GM (just one GM) in an African tournament. His rating is really low for a GM - 2399.