By Mpho Modiba
POLOKWANE– South Africans will see a change to their currency, with some banknotes and coins receiving a new look.
The South African Reserve Bank has announced the changes, saying it’s keeping up to date with technology and to avoid counterfeiting.
There are some vibrant changes to our bank notes.
The Reserve Bank said that while it had kept some features, South Africans will notice a number of changes to their bank notes.
Managing Director of the SA Bank Note Company, Liziwe Mda:
“The first thing South Africans will notice is the colour – the colour is more vibrant. We’ve maintained the portrait of Nelson Mandela”
“We have maintained the Big 5 theme but this time, on the back of the banknote, you will see a family theme of the Big 5.
The new designs include the SA flag, the preamble to our Constitution in micro-lettering and the Big 5 depicted as a family.
The deep ecology theme of the 4th decimal coin series celebrates our interconnectedness with other living organisms.
The currency has over the years celebrated seminal milestones of democracy, starting with the inauguration of the first democratically elected president Nelson Mandela.
Managing director of the SA Mint, Honey Mamabolo, said that the coins were changing as well.
“The 10 cent now is a honeybee, the 20 cent is an aloe, and the R5 is a whale.”
The notes are being released into circulation.
