The two home golfers – both past major champions – picked up a shot each and were joint leaders at 16-under-par as play at the DP World Tour event began early on Sunday in anticipation of the heavy tropical storm.

But it was then interrupted for several hours before the field went out again for an hour, only to be sent scurrying back to the clubhouse as the heavens opened once more and the threat of lightning made play dangerous.

The pair, who had played seven holes each, will return on Monday to complete their heavyweight battle, as they lead compatriot Christiaan Bezuidenhout by three.

Oosthuizen – the 2010 Open winner – took the lead on the 6th hole with a birdie putt but then made a rare error and hit into the water on the 7th for a bogey.

The 2011 Masters winner Schwartzel, who has won three times previously at Leopard Creek, birdied the 3rd hole.

Bezuidenhout – a former champion of the event – started the day five adrift of the co-leaders but cut their lead to three as he recorded three birdies in his opening seven holes.

England's Andy Sullivan, was also 10-under-par at the start of Sunday's action, carded two birdies and a costly bogey at the 8th before play was suspended.