Post date: Nov 06, 2012 4:12:25 PM
Banknotes bearing the image of anti-apartheid icon go into circulation in South Africa.
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA (NOVEMBER 6, 2012) (REUTERS) - South Africa immortalised former president Nelson Mandela on Tuesday (November 6) in a set of banknotes bearing the image of the anti-apartheid leader, who remains a rare unifying force in a country still scarred by its racially divided past.
The government announced the new notes earlier this year on the 22nd anniversary of Mandela's release from prison after serving 27 years for his opposition to white-minority rule.Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus was among the first ones to use the new banknote at a local fruit market in the capital Pretoria.
"He has touched the lives of every South African and has committed himself to a better world, a better South Africa and therefore the tribute to him is one way that all of us can recognise him and given that the extent to which, as a world figure, as a South Africa figure, is something that we can all be very proud of," Marcus said.
The 94-year-old, who became South Africa's first black president in 1994, rarely appears in public now but is still revered both at home and abroad and held up as a human symbol for freedom, human rights and democracy.
"I hope and I'm sure given the demands that we are having for these notes that everybody is as excited and delighted about the introduction of a new note and the image of Madiba on it," Marcus added.
Jose Louis DeFreitas, whose shop was packed with media during Tuesday's banknote release, was equally proud and happy.
"I feel like a champion to have the first note, and I like the colours and the colours are very wonderful, and suits the South African colours, very hot colours as South Africa is the hot country. I feel grateful and I look for more in future and for more notes as customers bring more," DeFreitas said.
Popularly known by his clan name "Madiba", Mandela has lent his name to roads, buildings and universities, and a giant bronze statue of him in Johannesburg's swanky Sandton City mall is a daily attraction for tourists.
The notes also feature South Africa's "big five" wild animals - rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard.
The new notes - in the same 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand denominations - will be used in conjunction with the existing notes, which will be phased out gradually.