The South African rand softened on Friday as geopolitical tension, a US government shutdown and tariff-related economic uncertainties kept investors on edge and this week's rally in commodities paused.

At 1303 GMT the rand traded at 17.21 against the dollar, about 0.3% weaker than Thursday's close.

The dollar fell slightly against a basket of other major currencies with little to no economic data to offer a compelling direction.

Most commodities steadied after rallying this week. Gold initially dipped before reversing losses and was on track for an eighth consecutive weekly gain, also helped by expectations of more US rate cuts, while silver hovered near a record high.

"These metals (gold, platinum and palladium) are important export products for South Africa and most recently accounted for around 17% of South African exports," Commerzbank analyst Volkmar Baur said in a research note.

Baur added that the recent strong prices are supporting the country's exports at a time when high US tariffs have made its foreign trade a cause of concern for currency traders.

Domestically-focused investors will look to a business confidence index, mining production data and retail sales figures next week for clues on the health of Africa's largest economy.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index last traded down 0.6%.

South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond also weakened, as the yield rose one basis point to 9.065%.