The South African rand weakened in early trading on Monday as escalating tensions in the Middle East unsettled global markets and drove investors toward safer assets.

The currency traded at 16.16 against the dollar, about 1.4 percent lower than its previous close, as markets reacted to escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The surge in geopolitical risk has fueled demand for traditional safe havens, strengthening the dollar and pushing gold—a key South African export—to a four-week high.

"Although the US is involved and President Donald Trump's tariff policies continue to undermine the dollar's value, it still serves as a haven for investors seeking to shield themselves from the volatility following this weekend's events," said ETM Analytics in a research note.

Like other risk-sensitive emerging market currencies, the rand tends to track global developments, particularly shifts in US policy, alongside domestic economic indicators.

South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond also weakened in early trade, with yields rising to 7.97 percent.