Mandela bank note to begin circulation next week

31 October 2012 - 10:51 By Sapa
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Reserve Bank governor Gill Marcus holds up a replica of the new R200 bank note, depicting former president Nelson Mandela, at the bank's headquarters in Pretoria. File photo.
Reserve Bank governor Gill Marcus holds up a replica of the new R200 bank note, depicting former president Nelson Mandela, at the bank's headquarters in Pretoria. File photo.
Image: NKULULEKO MARAIS

New bank notes featuring former president Nelson Mandela will enter circulation on November 6, the SA Reserve Bank said on Tuesday.

"The Reserve Bank is proud to be able to honour South Africa's struggle icon and first democratically elected president in this way," SARB governor Gill Marcus said in a statement.

"Our currency is a unique symbol of our nationhood, with many of us handling banknotes every day."

The new banknotes feature Mandela on the front and pictures of the "Big Five" animals on the back, SARB said in a statement.

The new banknotes will circulate with the existing currency and both will be legal tender.

The launch has been preceded by a public awareness campaign that includes television, radio and print advertisements as well as electronic media and social networking.

There have also been roadshow and events throughout the country and abroad in Swaziland, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

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