The rand was 0.5 percent stronger at 14.4475 per dollar at 1005 GMT.

The rand gained ground on the weaker dollar after ratings agency Moody's opted to hold off publishing a review of the country's debt on Friday as planned.

"The dollar has fallen away and under pressure amid inflationary concerns. Moody's delay in giving decision on our sovereign debt staved off risk-off sentiment and rather prompted risk sentiment," said Afrifocus Securities portfolio manager Cheslyn Francis.

On the bourse, the top 40 index fell 2.35 percent to 46,164 points. The broader all share index was 2.01 percent weaker at 52,399 points.

"The markets are so erratic and still nervous as the trade war tensions never went away over the weekend," said Cratos Capital analyst Greg Davies.

Asian shares slipped on Monday as worries over Sino-US trade disputes, a possible slowdown in the Chinese economy tempered optimism. Data released on Friday showed Chinese auto sales posted the biggest drop in seven years.

South African bourse heavyweight Naspers dragged the Top-40 index lower, falling 5.23 percent to 2,756 rand, as Hong Kong's Tencent Holdings, in which Naspers has a 31.2 percent shareholding, closed 1.94 percent lower.

Fast-food chain owner Famous Brands Ltd shed 4.41 percent to 97.50 rand as the company booked an impairment charge of 874 million rand ($61 million)before tax on its struggling UK Gourmet Burger Kitchen business.