THE image of 93-year-old Nelson Mandela will appear on South Africa's new currency notes to honour revered liberation hero and mark the 22nd anniversary of the anti-apartheid icon's release from prison.
“It is a befitting tribute to a man who became a symbol of this country's struggle for freedom, human rights and democracy,” said President Jacob Zuma at the Reserve Bank headquarters Saturday.
“With this humble gesture, we are expressing our deep gratitude as the South African people, to a life spent in service of the people of this country and in the cause of humanity worldwide.
Zuma said Mandela's release in 1990 after 27 years in prison for fighting apartheid “marked the beginning of a new era of hope for our country and the world”.
Zuma described Mandela, the country's first democratically elected President, as an “outstanding leader and patriot” that represented a group of exceptional men and women who demonstrated their love for South Africa in a time of repression.
Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus said Mandela, who does not make any public appearances since his retirement to his home village in Qunu, had been informed and was “delighted” about it.
South African bank notes are upgraded every seven to 10 years to fight counterfeiting.
The new note series in R10; R20; R50; R100 and R200 denominations, each in a different colour, will feature an engraving of the former President with the reverse side continuing to show the country's big five animals.
Marcus said the Reserve Bank hoped to have the new currency in circulation before the end of the year, with a public education programme that will allow for the current notes to be legal tender until they phased out.
Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said the introduction of the notes marked the beginning of a campaign to ensure a new generation remembered Mandela efforts which have made him a world icon.