The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) today launched banknotes with improved security features which will go into circulation from 1 February 2005. In line with international best practice, the Bank regularly revises the security features and design of banknotes because the Bank is committed to ensuring the public has reliable currency. The SARB last changed South Africa’s banknotes in 1992. The upgraded banknotes will retain the Big Five animal motif on the front and the economic sector themes on the back. There will, however, be some design changes. Celebrating South Africa’s democracy, the upgraded banknotes will be the first to show the South African Coat of Arms and to use all eleven languages across the denominations. The improved security features will make it easier for the public to distinguish between good banknotes and counterfeit banknotes and further give the upgraded banknotes a distinct look. Examples of this are the shimmering gold band, visible on the back of the banknote when it is tilted, as well as the colour-changing ink on the number value on the front bottom right of the R50, R100 and R200 banknotes. (See attached fact sheet for full details of the changes to the design and security features.) As the Reserve Bank has not “demonetised” any of its currency, the current banknotes will remain legal tender and will circulate simultaneously with the upgraded banknotes. There will be no need for the public to exchange the current banknotes for upgraded banknotes.  However, the upgraded banknotes are likely to become the predominant banknotes in circulation by the end of this year, as upgraded banknotes replace current banknotes that have become worn and dirty. The SARB encourages all South Africans to familiarise themselves with the new security features and urges the public always to check a combination of features, to make sure that they have genuine money. To inform and educate the public about the upgraded banknotes, the SARB has embarked on an extensive communication campaign. The campaign includes advertising, training and public relations components. The SARB has appointed TBWA \ Hunt \ Lascaris to run the above-the-line advertising campaign, which includes TV and radio commercials, as well educational radio programmes. These programmes will flight in all 11 official languages. Kagiso Educational Television and Communications is overseeing training for people in the financial industry. Banks and other cash handlers, as well as retailers have already attended training sessions on the improved security features. Information sessions for urban and rural communities are due to start in February, once the upgraded banknotes have been issued. These sessions will reach some of the remotest parts of the country. Magna Carta is running the public relations campaign, which includes roving stage trailers and gazebos at taxi ranks. The SARB and Magna Carta have consulted widely with major banks, companies and government, who have committed themselves to supporting and assisting in the dissemination of information on the upgraded banknotes. The campaign will introduce South Africans to the catchphrase, “Makoya Moola – Rands you can trust”, as television and radio commercials encourage the public to check their money and make sure they have “Makoya Moola”. “Makoya” refers to “the real McCoy” and “moola” is slang for money.   For further information on the upgraded banknotes: Members of the public who require further information on the new banknotes can contact the helpline number on 086 123 1020. All calls will be charged at local rates. Alternatively, visit the South African Reserve Bank’s website at www.reservebank.co.za. Ends For further information, contact:Cathy Powers: Tel: (012) 313 4420 ​