S.C. Code Ann. § 14-2-50

County courts and other similar courts with jurisdiction inferior to the circuit courts and the office of standing master shall be abolished on July 1, 1979, and the jurisdiction of the office devolved upon the unified court system; provided, however, that such county courts, other courts of similar jurisdiction and the office of standing master shall be continued pursuant to Section 22 of Article V of the Constitution until July 1, 1979, subject, however, to the provisions of Article XI, Section 2 of 1976 Act No. 690; provided, further, that the General Assembly prior to July 1, 1979, shall provide sufficient judicial manpower to assure adequate staffing for the unified court system as provided by this act. The offices of master-in-equity and special referee shall continue to be a part of the judicial system.