The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) launched a public awareness campaign across all media platforms this week to introduce South Africans to a commemorative series of banknotes and a R5 circulation coin which honour the birth centenary of former President Nelson Mandela, a moment which is being celebrated across the globe.
The commemorative banknotes and the R5 circulation coin will be in circulation from 13 July 2018.
Every commemorative banknote and the R5 circulation coin will take us on a historical journey with President Mandela.
- The R10 banknote is inspired by the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape, featuring Madiba’s humble birthplace of Mvezo.
- The R20 banknote features Mandela’s home in Soweto, where he defined his political life alongside other struggle icons.
- The R50 banknote depicts the site where Madiba was captured near Howick following 17 months in hiding. This moment set in motion events that would change his life forever.
- Madiba’s time on Robben Island is depicted on the R100 banknote, where he was incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years in prison.
- The inspiration for the R200 banknote comes from the moment when Madiba greeted the nation for the first time as a statesman.
- The commemorative R5 circulation coin features a portrait of Madiba, smiling at the nation he helped to build.
Five things you must know about the commemorative banknotes and coin:
- The commemorative R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200 banknotes as well as the commemorative R5 circulation coin will be in circulation from 13 July 2018 only from commercial banks
- You can continue to use the current banknotes and the current R5 coin. The two sets – current and new – will be circulating together
- Every commemorative banknote and the R5 circulation coin tell a story of Madiba from a milestone chapter in his life, from his humble beginnings in Mvezo, to his pursuit of justice in Soweto, to his courage on being captured at Howick, to his perseverance on Robben Island, to the sense of community he showed at his inauguration at the Union Buildings.
- The commemorative banknotes and the R5 circulation coin are of the same value as the current banknotes and coin in circulation. The amount you see on the face of the banknote or coin is what it is worth
- Please download the SARB’s currency mobile app from 13 July 2018. The app has all the latest information about the commemorative banknotes. It is available from the Apple App Store, Window Store and Google Play.
Source: resbank
