Centurion - Jacques Kallis scored an unbeaten half-century to steer South Africa to 159 for four at tea on the opening day of the first Test against England on Wednesday.
Kallis looked in commanding form as he moved to 51 not out, having put on 66 for the fourth wicket with AB de Villiers.
De Villiers fell for 32 in the last over before tea, caught at bat-pad off spinner Graeme Swann.
Swann also removed opener Ashwell Prince for 45 earlier in the session, the left-hander edging to Paul Collingwood at slip.
Stuart Broad and Graham Onions had earlier combined to reduce South Africa to 70 for two at lunch after England had won the toss.
Broad had captain Graeme Smith caught behind down the leg side for a duck while Onions had Amla caught at slip by Collingwood for 19.