The rand weakened in early trade on Wednesday ahead of long-awaited monthly inflation data that could provide clues about the health of the economy.
At 08:36, the rand was trading at 17.05 rand per dollar, down 0.34% from its previous close.
Local investors will be looking at consumer inflation data for July which is to take place at 10:00. Analysts polled by Reuters expect consumer price inflation to reach 7.7% in July.
US dollar indexwhich measures the currency against a basket of rivals, rose 0.21% to 108.78.
Government bonds until 2030 rose in early trade, with the yield down 5 basis points to 10.335%.
