At 0640 GMT, the rand traded at 15.2475 versus the dollar, down roughly 0.15% on its previous close.
The dollar was supported by weak U.S. economic data and rising coronavirus cases that made investors cautious about the pace of global economic recovery from the pandemic.
The rand has mainly taken its cue from global drivers so far this month, as there have been few major local data releases.
Many local traders have been away from their desks.
But this week, mining and retail sales figures will be published for November, as well as the December consumer price index.
The central bank will announce its latest interest rate decision on Thursday, in which most economists expect it to hold the repo rate at 3.5%, but a small minority are predicting a rate cut.
Investors will also look for signs if South Africa has made more progress securing COVID-19 vaccines. Perceived sluggishness in acquiring doses has contributed to weak appetite for rand assets.
Government bonds were little changed early on Monday, with the yield on the 2030 instrument down 0.5 basis points to 8.84%.
(Reporting by Alexander Winning; Editing by Arun Koyyur)
