Richards Bay's survival hopes were given a boost after coming from behind to beat AmaZulu by 2-1 in a KZN derby at King Zwelithini, as Cape Town Spurs faltered against Polokwane City.
Usuthu, who were fancied to pick up a second victory on the bounce, took the lead in the 36th minute when Augustine Mulenga found the back of the net.
The visitors held onto their advantage until 20 minutes from full-time when substitute Justice Figuareido made an impact and levelled matters on the scoreboard.
Richards Bay were not done though and went in search of the winner and were rewarded as Sanele Barns netted with four minutes remaining to send the crowd into delirium.
The Natal Rich Boys have now pulled eight points clear of bottom-placed Cape Town Spurs and are now only three behind 14th-placed Swallows.
Polokwane City sent Cape Town Spurs deeper into the relegation mire after a late own goal ensured a 1-0 victory at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday.
In a fiercely contested battle, both teams squandered numerous opportunities until the third minute of injury-time when Spurs defender Rushwin Dortley put the ball into his own net.
The Cape side remains at the foot of the standings, now eight points behind Richards Bay, and have only four games of the campaign still to play.
The victory for Rise and Shine means they move level on points with Kaizer Chiefs in eighth position on the table with Amakhosi still having to play champions-elect Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday.
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