Hashim Amla (35) and AB de Villiers (16) were at the crease during the break.
R Ashwin picked two wickets during the session.
The hosts, who lead the three-match series 1-0, were at 78-0 at lunch after electing to bat here.
Brief scores:
South Africa 1st innings: 182-2 in 56 overs (Aiden Markram 93, H Amla 35 batting; R Ashwin 2/53).