Jbe Kruger and Andy Sullivan have a share of the lead after carding first-round 66s in Johannesburg, while Ernie Els sits one shot behind.
Els led the way in his homeland with six birdies, but after a delay due to bad weather, the 45-year-old dropped to tied third alongside Lasse Jensen and Richard Sterne, all of whom hit five-under 67s.
South Africa's Kruger topped the leaderboard with an unblemished round, which included six birdies, while England's Sullivan matched his opponent by recovering from a double bogey on the fifth hole to hit three consecutive birdies and an eagle.
Charl Schwartzel sits two shots off the pace following a first-round 68.
