Australia won the toss and elected to field first with rain delaying the start by a full two hours before they could use the new ball in favourable overcast conditions.
The visitors were rewarded for the decision after returning seamer Scott Boland struck twice after lunch in consecutive balls of the ninth over to leave the Proteas reeling at 12/2.
Aiden Markram was the first to go after a Boland delivery nipped in to take and inside edge before hitting middle stump before David Bedingham was dismissed the very next ball, after nicking off to Alex Carey.
South African captain Temba Bavuma and debutant opener Marques Ackerman steered the ship before rain brought proceeding to a stop ahead in the 12th over.
Stumps was eventually called in the afternoon with the rain showing no signs of letting up. Play is scheduled for 15 minutes earlier start; however, the weather forecast suggest day two could also be heavily affected by rain.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma struck his fifth Test century, and the best of his career, as the hosts dominated Australia on the third day of the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha.
South Africa will need to show greater fortitude if they are to recover against Australia in the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha, according to former Proteas opener Alviro Petersen.
The Proteas lost another three wickets but captain Temba Bavuma was standing firm as the hosts were 97-5 at the end of a shortened second day of the second Test against Australia at St George's Park.
David Bedingham insists the Proteas batting unit need to show patience and endurance against Australia's world-class bowling attack as the teams gear up for the second Test in Gqeberha on Sunday.
