At 0632 GMT, the rand traded at 13.7250 per dollar, 0.22 percent weaker than its New York close of 13.6950 on Wednesday.
"Cautious market participants are still weighing in on emerging markets, resulting in a rand which is experiencing quite a bit of resistance on its strengthening path – but slow and steady wins the race," said Bianca Botes, corporate treasury manager at Peregrine.
"The SARB (South African Reserve Bank) is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold today, following a 25-bps hike in November. We will also keep an eye on jobless claims coming out of the U.S. this afternoon. A continuation of the strong jobs data trend could provide the dollar with a boost."
All 27 economists polled by Reuters had predicted the central bank would keep the rate unchanged at 6.75 percent, but said a hike was likely in May due to rising inflation.
In fixed income, the yield on the benchmark government bond due in 2026 added 2 basis points to 8.8 percent in early trade.
(Reporting by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo; Editing by Rashmi Aich)
