New R2 celebrates 25 years of democracy
"The theme serves to remind all South Africans that we have come a long way.”
The South African Mint, a wholly owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), released into circulation a new R2 commemorative circulation coin themed Freedom of Movement and Residence as part of its new coin programme commemorating 25 years of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The SA25 themed Celebrating South Africa coin series features five commemorative R2 circulation coins, a commemorative R5 coin and three collectable coins in gold, silver and bronze alloy.
Freedom of movement and residence was heavily restricted by the apartheid government in its pursuit of racist policies.
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When thousands of people gathered in Sharpeville on March 21, 1960, to protest the detested pass laws of the apartheid regime that forced all black South Africans to carry a pass book or the dreaded dompas, an oppressive tool to control their movement, the police shot and killed 69 protesters and many others in different parts of the country.
The following week, Nelson Mandela burned his pass in protest of the atrocities in Sharpeville.
Designed by artist Rasty Knayles, regarded as a pioneer of the local graffiti movement, the right is symbolised by a plane, a bird holding a key, and a minibus taxi on the reverse (tails) of the coin.
The obverse (heads) features the national coat of arms with the date of issue, ‘2019’, and the words ‘South Africa’ written in English and ‘Afrika-Dzonga’ in Xitsonga.
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All the SA25 commemorative circulations coins issued by the SARB and the South African Mint, including the collectable range, use a common typeface created by Garth Walker for the Constitutional Court.
The typography as reflected on the commemorative coinage was created in 2003/04 as a unique wayfinding system font for the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Garth Walker is credited for the layout of the R5 coins using the typeface.
At the unveiling, Tumi Tsehlo, the South African Mint managing director, said: “Our struggle for democracy has hardly any parallel, and I can say the same about our Constitution.
“It is regarded as one of the most progressive in the world, guaranteeing rights to all residents.
“The theme serves to remind all South Africans that we have come a long way.”
Knayles likens freedom to a bird, a complete embodiment of being free to move around and reside anywhere in the country.
The weaver bird is a reflection of an average South African: hardworking, cheerful and respectful to fellow beings.
The key symbolises a passport, a prized document which guarantees any person holding it free and thorough access across borders and to return home, and above all, serve as an infallible South African identity.
The minibus taxi used by millions of South Africans and the passenger plane highlight economic activity as well as movement.
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“In issuing circulation coins in honour of our constitutional democracy, the South African Mint is helping to preserve the memory of all South Africans who collectively fought for freedom for all, even at great personal costs,” adds Tsehlo.
The commemorative coins are introduced in a phased manner, with the coin themed Freedom of Movement and Residence being the fourth in the series – which will be followed by the final R2 featuring Freedom of Religion, Beliefs and Opinion in August, together with the new R5 coin.
A special collector’s folder has been created for coin enthusiasts and can be collected, at no cost, from the South African Mint’s retail store in Centurion, as well as the various other outlets mentioned on the SA25 website.
South Africans have been encouraged to find, collect and keep these special SA25 circulation coins released over the past few months, and they will soon be able to add this coin to their collection.
The SARB governor, Lesetja Kganyago, announced the SA25 range of commemorative circulation coins last month as part of the celebrations to mark 25 years of SA’s constitutional democracy, together with a series of collectable coins.
The SARB would like to reiterate that the new commemorative circulation coins, like all other circulation coins, are normal circulation coins that are only worth their face value – R2.
The SARB issues commemorative circulation coins as part of its currency production function.
The South African Mint also launched special edition collector’s sets which include all the circulation coins, the R50 silver and the R50 bronze alloy collectable coins.
The sets and collectable coins can also be purchased as individual coins from the South African Mint’s retail outlets, listed on the SA25 website, www.sa25.co.za
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