West Indies spinner Shane Shillingford marked his debut with two wickets as the hosts reduced South Africa to 3-70 by the close of a rain-interrupted first day of the first Test at Trinidad's Queen's Park Oval.
Shillingford recorded figures of 2-5, dismissing openers Graeme Smith (23) and Alviro Petersen (31), as just 34 overs were possible.
After the entire morning session was wiped out the sides were at least able to complete the toss, with home skipper Chris Gayle visibly upset by losing and being asked to bowl.
The 21 overs that were possible before the tea interval saw South Africa move on to 45 without loss, Smith and Petersen both hitting boundaries but neither looking entirely at their best.
And the Windies seized the initiative in the final session.
Shillingford, who claimed his victims off just six overs, had Smith caught at first slip by Dwayne Bravo to leave the tourists on 1-55.
Hashim Amla followed for just two, lasting only nine balls before Bravo took another catch, this time off the bowling off Sulieman Benn.
Shillingford then dismissed Petersen lbw playing across the line, the decision requiring a review, to leave South Africa on 3-68.
Jacques Kallis (six not out) and nightwatchman Paul Harris (nought not out) were at the crease at the close.
The West Indies included a second debutant in their side, seamer Nelon Pascal, who finished with 0-7 from his three overs.