By Ebi Kesiena
South Africa has unveiled new banknotes and coins which has specific physical characteristics to help visually impaired people differentiate the banknotes, the country’s first major upgrade to its currency in more than a decade
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announced the changes, saying the move was meant to keep up with technology and prevent counterfeiting.
According to reports the new notes, which will enter into circulation, will retain the image of Nelson Mandela, the country’s first democratically elected president who died in 2013.
While Africa’s “Big Five” wild animal rhino, elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards will now be depicted with their young on the banknotes.
The coins will have an ecological theme, through pictures of plants and animals.
Report says South Africa’s 11 official languages will also be represented on the various banknotes and coins.
The SARB added that there are no changes to any of the denominations or size of the banknotes, existing banknotes and coins will continue to remain legal tender and can be used alongside the upgraded banknotes.
Deputy Governor of the SARB, Fundi Tshazibana said that “the notes will also be rolled out in Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho that are in a common monetary area with South Africa and where the rand is considered legal tender alongside their own currencies.”
