Stocks rose in Johannesburg, however, led by MTN after the mobile firm declared a dividend despite reporting a loss for the first time in 20 years.
By 1500 GMT the rand had weakened 0.65% from its New York close to 13.1125 per dollar.
Further signs that the US Federal Reserve is veering toward a March rise in interest rates continued to support the dollar, which was up 0.3% against a basket of major currencies.
A drop in commodity prices added pressure on emerging currencies as spot gold fell 0.8% while platinum slid 1.4%.
A Reuters poll published on Thursday forecast the rally in the rand is on its last legs as demand for emerging market assets ebb and local political risks intensify as the ruling party prepares to elect new leaders.
