Panafrican News Agency

South African Central bank releases new "Mandela" banknotes

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Wednesday released the designs of its commemorative banknotes and coins to mark the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s in July.

The world statesman who led South Africa from Apartheid to liberation would have turned 100 on July 13. He died in 2013.

Numerous events are being planned around the world to mark the occasion.

The central bank has released test packs of the commemorative notes into circulation to make preparations for cash processing, cash dispensing machines and ticketing machines.

The SARB said that while the designs were kept under wraps, there were breaches and some of the designs have been circulating on social media.

“In order to avoid confusion and unnecessary speculation, the SARB has decided to release all the designs ahead of the official launch on 13 July 2018,” the bank noted.

The South African Mint, a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank, will also launch a commemorative Five Rand coin which will co-circulate for a limited time and are expected to be collector’s items.
-0- PANA CU/VAO 13June2018