At 0645 GMT, the rand was at 15.4025 versus the dollar, roughly 0.7% weaker than its previous close.

The rand slumped around 4% against the U.S. currency last week, as sentiment soured badly over a new peak in daily coronavirus infections and doubts over its vaccine supplies.

South Africa has recorded more than 1.2 million COVID-19 cases, the most on the continent, but it is yet to start vaccinating its population or receive its first doses.

A sluggish vaccination programme would dent prospects for recovery in an economy that is forecast to have contracted by at least 7% last year.

On Monday, other emerging market currencies like the Russian rouble and Turkish lira were also under pressure because of a firmer dollar.

South Africa-focused investors will look to manufacturing and retail sales data later in the week for more clues about the health of the local economy.

Purchasing managers' index surveys released last week suggested business activity levelled off in December.

Government bonds dipped early on Monday, with the yield on the 2030 instrument rising 3 basis points to 8.82%.

(Reporting by Alexander Winning; editing by Uttaresh.V)