South Africa has unveiled new banknotes and coins, 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.
Report says 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 so-called “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.
There will also be specific physical characteristics to help visually impaired people differentiate the banknotes.
There are no changes, however, 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, according to SARB.
The 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.”
BBC/Christopher Ojilere
