Reserve Bank Commemorates Nelson Mandela’s birth centenary
JOHANNESBURG – New commemorative banknotes and R5 coin will circulate alongside the existing banknotes and R5.
The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) will this year launch a set of commemorative South African banknotes in honour of what would have been Nelson Mandela’s centenary.
These notes, according to the bank’s statement issued on 11 February, will cover all denominations – R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200.
The bank said, at the same time, the South African Mint, a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank, will also issue a new R5 coin.
“The existing Mandela series of banknotes as well as the existing R5 coin in circulation will remain legal tender and will continue to be issued,” read the statement.
“This means that the new commemorative banknotes and coin will circulate alongside the existing banknotes and coin.”
It is expected that the commemorative banknotes and coin will be introduced into circulation from 18 July.
Reserve Bank governor, Lesetja Kganyago said further details about the introduction of the notes and coins will be communicated to the public closer to the time. “Nelson Mandela represented the best version of ourselves as South Africans. We unveiled the current Mandela series of banknotes in 2012 to honour him,” said Kganyago.
“While preserving the value of money is our main mandate, our purpose is to be a bastion of institutional strength, contributing to a stable and prosperous economy that serves the well-being of all South Africans, and guided in part by Madiba’s values.”
Details: Leisel.Radebe@resbank.co.za
