The home side went to stumps on 95-4 with Bavuma 41 not out after only 30.4 overs were possible in Gqeberha after heavy rain and a wet outfield saw the play only start 15:45 local time and 30 overs possible before close of play.
After resuming on 20-2 after 12.2 overs after another rain-shortened first day, the Proteas lost debutant Marques Ackerman, caught behind off seamer Scott Boland who picked up his third wicket of the innings with the left-handed batter out for 6 from 38 balls.
Matthew Breetzke walked to crease after being jettisoned into the Proteas team after teh first Test defeat, but only lasted 17 deliveries to score four before playing a loose stroke off left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc to be cught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
The Proteas were in deep trouble at 40-4 but Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton stitched together a 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket, showing good battling characteristics, although Ricketon was dropped by Marnus Labuschagne when on 26.
The spilling of a fairly simple opportunity did not cost Australia too much though as Boland once again proved to be a thorn as the seamer had Rickelton (31) brilliantly caught at first slip by Matt Renshaw, taking a spectacular one-handed catch diving to his right.
Bavuma was showing a excellent application and technical capabilities to battle the world-class Australia bowling attack, and the skipper will carry the hopes of nation on his shoulders when he resumes on day three.
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.
South Africa suffered two wickets after lunch to end day one on 20/2 after only 12.2 overs in a rain affected second Test at St. George's Park on Sunday.
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.
