The South African rand started the week stronger on Monday following a government directive that eased the country's COVID-19 lockdown.

In a briefing over the weekend, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that from midnight on Monday, a ban on alcohol and tobacco sales would be lifted, inter-provincial travel would be allowed and restaurants and taverns could return to normal business subject to hygiene protocols.

South Africa, Africa's worst-hit country by the COVID-19 pandemic, imposed one of the world's strictest lockdowns in March as infections spread fast.

The government has however been easing the restrictions since last month, as it aims to help the battered economy recover while also maintain healthy practices.

According to a Reuters report, by 0631 GMT the rand was trading at 17.3400 versus the dollar, roughly 0.3% firmer than its previous close. Dollar weakness on global markets also supported the rand.

Government bonds were little changed in early trade, with the yield on the 2030 bond at 9.16%.

Official forecasts indicate the gross domestic product will contract by at least 7% this year.