* Rand gains after secret no-confidence ballot granted
* Stocks up led by bullion and platinum shares (Adds background, updates figures, comment)
JOHANNESBURG, April 11 (Reuters) - South Africa's rand gained ground on Tuesday, spurred by a globally hobbled dollar and a decision by South Africa's top court to consider whether a motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma should be taken by secret ballot.
Pressure has mounted on Zuma to resign after a controversial cabinet reshuffle triggered ratings downgrades, and the rand extended its gains to 1 percent against the dollar after the announcement. Opposition parties said the motion would be more likely to succeed if held by secret ballot late trade, the rand ZAR=D3 was 1.10 percent higher at 13.8025 per dollar.
"Any political headline is going to be driving short-term moves in the currency," said BNP Paribas (PA:BNPP) Cadiz Securities economist Jeffrey Schultz.
Stocks gained, led by shares of gold and platinum producers, as spot bullion XAU= jumped more than 1 percent. Investors were seeking assets considered havens from risk amid mounting political and security concerns over North Korea, the Middle East and an imminent French election GOL/ .
Harmony Gold HARJ.J leapt 7.10 percent to 37.87 rand, making it the biggest gainer on the bourse. Anglo American (LON:AAL) Platinum AMSJ.J advanced 5.52 percent to 371.85 rand and Goldfields GFIJ.J rose 3.23 percent to 52.35 rand.
The benchmark Top-40 index .JTOPI rose 0.72 percent to 46,757.54 points. The All-Share index .JALSH added 0.74 percent to 53,535.16 points.
Bonds firmed, with the yield for the benchmark government bond due in 2026 ZAR186= falling 4 basis points to 8.955 percent.