You Do Need power plug adapter while traveling from South Africa to Italy.

Here is Why You Need An Adapter

The outlet and plug type used in Italy are C, F and L and in South Africa are C, M and N. This is how they look like.

South Africa

In South Africa, outlets of type C, M and N are in use.

Type C

Type M

Type N

Italy

In Italy, outlets of type C, F and L are in use.

Type C

Type F

Type L