The South African Reserve Bank today announces a public information campaign designed to inform the public, retailers, traders, and commercial banks about the key features distinguishing the upgraded R200 notes. The old R200 notes have been recalled and must be exchanged at commercial banks on or before Monday, May 31st. Anyone holding old R200 notes after this date will have to exchange them at one of the six Reserve Bank branches or at the Bank’s headquarters in Pretoria. The public information campaign is designed to reach as many South Africans as possible with a simple set of messages. Radio spots which run until Monday, May 31st will encourage listeners to watch TV or buy the Sunday Times, City Press, or Rapport this weekend in order to receive an explanation and see pictures of the security features on all upgraded banknotes. The TV campaign will run on all SABC channels and on e-tv for at least two weeks. A second insert into all major Sunday newspapers follows on June 13th. A pamphlet campaign targeting World Cup visitors at all international airports will inform all arriving guests about the appearance and security features of South Africa’s money. The key messages of the campaign are:May 31st is the absolute deadline for exchanging R200 notes at commercial banksAfter May 31st, old R200 notes can only be exchanged at one of seven Reserve Bank officesBanks will exchange the old R200 notes until the close of business on Monday, May 31stBanks are not allowed to charge for exchanging the old notesATMs only issue upgraded R200 notes, they do not issue old notes If anyone misses the deadline of Monday, May 31st to exchange their old R200 notes, they can still be exchanged in future at any Reserve Bank office.The South African Reserve Bank has branches in:BloemfonteinCape TownDurbanEast LondonJohannesburgPort ElizabethThe Reserve Bank head office is in central Pretoria and will also exchange old notes after May 31st Ahead of the World Cup, the message on South Africa’s money is clear:The latest security features available internationally ensure that all of South Africa’s upgraded banknotes are secureIt is important for everyone to know their moneyThis includes shopkeepers, traders, and government departments who can be sure that South Africa’s banknotes and coins are safeIt is not acceptable for business owners to refuse upgraded R200 notes To check the upgraded banknotes, look, feel and then tilt them. Check for at least three security features. These are some of the key features of South Africa’s upgraded banknotes:Banknote PaperThe special quality of banknote paper and the raised print give it a distinct feel. Unlike normal paper, banknotes have a distinct crackling sound when handledCoat of ArmsThe South African Coat of Arms is used prominently in the front top left corner, in the gold shimmering band on the back, and in the silver shining strip in the security thread of the R200 banknotesWatermarkThe watermark includes the note’s value number. When the banknote is held up to the light the watermark and the value number are visible, with the light shining throughWindowed security threadOn the R200 banknotes the silver shining strip security thread is 4mm wide. The words SARB and RAND and the note’s value number appear when held up to the light and a Coat of Arms appears in the thread when tiltedColour changing inkOn the R200 banknotes, the note’s value number on the front bottom right is printed in ink that changes colour when you tilt the noteDiamond shapesThere are five diamond shapes with a raised feel on the front of the R200 banknote that assist the blindGold shimmering bandThis is a very prominent feature, in gold colour on the back of all banknotes. When tilted, the Coat of Arms and the banknote’s value number appear   Further Information for the Media:Brian HogaTel: +27 12 313 4448Cell: 082 896 7730Email: brian.hoga@resbank.co.za