Johannesburg – Lion cubs, rhino calves and other baby animals joined Nelson Mandela on new ecology-themed banknotes unveiled by the central bank on Thursday.
Printed in five denominations ranging from 10 to 200 rand (55 US cents to $10.90), the notes bear the portrait of Mandela sporting a subtle smile, and are slightly brighter in colour than their predecessors.
On the back of the notes are drawings of the “Big Five” game animals – elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo – depicted with their cubs and calves.
The notes have been printed on special paper and feature security devices to help thwart counterfeiting, the South African Reserve Bank said.
Did you know? The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has introduced upgraded banknotes &coins into the South African market, which will be available from the 4th of May 2023.https://t.co/AeGNaPruNI #banknotes #NewBankNotes #ReserveBank pic.twitter.com/q5tSBpi3H7
— Gcis_mpumalangaProvince (@GCISMpumalanga) May 3, 2023
The current series of banknotes featuring Mandela were first issued in 2012, a year before Mandela’s death.
A preamble of South Africa’s constitution is printed “in micro-text around Madiba’s portrait and the country’s flag,” the bank said on Wednesday using Mandela’s clan name.
Revamped coins in silver, gold and rose gold colours also carry pictures of wildlife, including a whale, a springbok, a bee and the national flower, the protea.
They feature patterns to help visually impaired people discern the coins through feel.
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Source: AFP
Picture: Twitter/@GovernemntZA
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